Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We are speaking at cross purposes. The Bill strikes a good balance. I do not like using the work "generous" in this sense because it sounds patronising but the Bill is generous in its welcoming approach to nationals from the accession countries. In the same vein, it is cautious in its punitive provision whereby employers must pay a fair fine if they are found to be in breach of the law, with which I fully agree. I also agree with the point that we cannot make plans now for a country which in the interim may decide to push its case for accession and be successful. We will amend the Bill at that point if it needs amending. It is far too anticipatory to seek to insert a provision covering circumstances when we do not know what that they will be or what countries will seek accession.