Seanad debates

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

European Union (Accession of the Republic of Croatia) (Access to the Labour Market) Bill 2013: Second Stage

 

11:40 am

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I remember well the strong support given by the former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to Croatia's accession to the European Union during his term as EU President. This was a critical time in the process of Croatia's accession to membership of the European Union and there was fierce opposition to its accession. Despite this, however, the Fianna Fáil Government strongly supported Croatia through the process. As Members are aware, citizens of each member state of the European Union have the right to get a job within the Union itself. The 2011 treaty of accession, in line with previous accession treaties, permits the labour market restriction whereby for a two-year period, European Union member states can choose to restrict the right of Croatians to work in that member state or in particular sectors therein. If we are to permit Croatian nationals access to our labour market, what is the purpose of this two-year transition period?

Our esteemed President Michael D. Higgins, spoke in Zagreb on 6 June last. While welcoming Croatia's accession, he reminded us all that "the EU is both, of course, a political union and an economic union". He also reminded us: "It is a Union that is not without its problems." There have been serious issues, such as the euro crisis, where the whole thing nearly crumbled. Personally, however, I believe the euro is back on track and we have overcome the problems we had. The President noted some of the aforementioned problems were "created within the Union, others from outside, from the international consequences of deregulation in ever more speculative markets". There is no doubt about that. He went on to note the major issue facing what now will be the 28 member states is that of unemployment, "particularly youth unemployment which is at alarming levels in some member states". He stated it "is the greatest challenge and carries a danger of delegitimising democratic institutions".

My husband and I have travelled through Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia, and Croatia's physical beauty must be seen to be believed. It is an absolutely idyllic country. We travelled there by car last year and the economic development that is taking place is fascinating. As a motorway runs right across the country, it is very easy to gain access further into eastern Europe. This new road in Croatia has had a dramatic effect on its connectivity with other European countries in both eastern and western Europe.

As for Ireland's accession to the EU in 1973, I note that until then, married women were not allowed to work. Once they got married, they were obliged to give up their jobs. It is very hard for young people, such as the young Senators who are present, to believe that women were not allowed to work but were obliged to give up their jobs when they got married. Accession transformed Ireland when we joined the European Union in 1973. We leapt over Britain and never looked back. We became Europeans rather than being just a small state that simply looked to Britain.

It is very welcome that Croatia is entering the European Union. I refer to the terrible Bosnian war and the murders, killings and savagery. Throughout those Balkan countries, there are cemeteries with white crosses marking the ethnic cleansing that took place. Consequently, Croatia's accession is welcome. It is a highly ambitious country with talented young people and we welcome them very much.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.