Restrictions 'disappointing but inevitable'

Immigrant groups have described as "disappointing but inevitable" yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan, that access to social welfare for citizens from the EU accession states would be restricted.

Ms Denise Charlton, chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said the announcement, coming in the aftermath of British restrictions, highlighted "the piecemeal, reactionary approach to migration policy".

"We would be arguing for a longer-term approach.

"The Government says the Immigration and Residency Bill is due to come before the Dáil, but consultation on it happened two years ago. There seems to be no long-term thinking."

Mr Philip Watt, of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, said the restrictions were "probably inevitable given that they were brought in in Britain".

He expressed concern that the Government may begin to come under pressure to restrict access to the labour market.

"But I would say the response from the EU as a whole has been a very disappointing overreaction. They seem to be rowing back on commitments given originally to remain open."

He said it was welcome that Ireland's labour market remained open to migrants; we should stand firm and "show leadership in Europe" on this issue.

Mr Watt said he hoped discretion would be exercised in the restrictions to allow social supports for people from the accession states who come here to work but get into genuine difficulties.

Ms Charlton said the underlying philosophy on immigration seemed to be one of "keeping them at bay.

"Whereas we have benefited hugely from immigration."

It was unlikely people would choose to come to Ireland from the accession states as "benefit tourists", she said.

"Just ask anyone trying to live here on social welfare. You still have to cope with the cost of living here. It's not easy.

"You certainly can't save anything."