Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the welcome to Ms Prendergast. I have not had the pleasure of meeting her previously but I have heard a great deal about her and her contributions to the Seanad over the years. I wish her well in her important role in Europe and on when she next goes to the electorate in 2014.

Much has been mentioned about the Single Market by Ms Prendergast. It is probably one of the most significant developments in Europe over the past number of decades. An example of the important statistics concerned is that the Single Market was originally opened to 345 million people in 1992 and it is now open to 500 million. The trade between EU countries has increased, from ¤800 billion in 1992 to ¤2.54 trillion today. One can imagine the enormous opportunities that opens up for trade. Some 20 million SMEs are currently operating within the Single Market. From an original 12 countries, there are now 27, and this will increase to 28 when Croatia joins.

Obviously, there is the free movement of citizens. On the benefits Ireland has achieved, Ms Prendergast brought it down to our everyday lives in that it is easier to travel for holiday, work and study within the EU. There is the free movement of goods. Delivery times and cost of transport, despite all we hear, have decreased. Obviously, the reduction of bureaucracy and paperwork makes it easy to do business. The Single European Act of 1987 gave a major boast to Ireland's economy when we were on the brink of economic disaster. Our only hope was to enhance our attractiveness as a low-cost manufacturing base inviting foreign investment and boosting local employment. We benefited a great deal at that particular time.

The completion of the Single Market is a work in progress and is a central element of the growth agenda to address the current economic crisis. In October 2012, the European Commission adopted the Single Market Act II, putting forward 12 key actions for rapid adoption by the EU institutions. These are concentrated on four main drivers for growth - employment and confidence: integrated networks, cross-border mobility of citizens and business, the digital economy, and actions that reinforce cohesion and consumer benefits.

A major survey produced by the European Commission highlighted 20 main concerns of citizens within the EU, and Ms Prendergast referred to at least one or two of them. One of them is the cumbersome social security procedures that discourage citizens' mobility. Many moving from one EU country to another find it difficult to understand and make use of social security rights such as family allowances, unemployment benefits and social security. That is certainly one.

Citizens who receive health care abroad are often frustrated when they receive the bill. They find that if they have the European health insurance card, it gives them the same rights to health care and insurance throughout Europe as they enjoy at home. However, the reality is that the card gives the right to be treated as a local resident for unplanned and necessary health care during a temporary stay abroad. Many citizens moving around Europe are surprised, therefore, when they are asked to pay upfront for treatment abroad if they need not do the same at home. That is an area of concern for citizens.

Another concern is that professionals have difficulties getting their qualifications recognised in another member state. Another is tax barriers for cross-border workers and employers. Cross-border workers who have to deal with the tax authorities of more than one country may find it difficult to attain comprehensive information on their tax status and tax liabilities. These are issues that have yet to be addressed.

We will have a satisfactory working Single Market only when many of the issues of concern to citizens are addressed throughout the EU. I wish Ms Prendergast continued success and we look forward to having her here again.