Madam, - The Government's decision to restrict workers from Romania and Bulgaria after they join the European Union next year is disappointing to say the least. First, there is a principle of free movement of workers, Second, our economy requires a large number of new workers in the next few years to sustain growth. Why should these new countries not have the same opportunity to come and work here that the last tranche of new EU members had?
The widely predicted "swamping" of the country by new immigrants has failed to materialise. Far from being a burden on the State, these new workers are contributing to our continuing prosperity. I fail to see why the Bulgarian property market is open to Irish investors, but our labour market is off-limits to Bulgarian workers.
Economic studies have shown no evidence of displacement in the labour market. We have full employment. We need new workers. We have a moral obligation and an economic need, and just because there is a get-out clause restricting Romanian and Bulgarian workers is no reason to avail of it.
In a nation that has sent so many of its own people abroad over the years, it seems that the attitude is: "When you climb the ladder, pull it up after you." - Yours, etc,
Cllr AIDAN CULHANE,
Meadow Grove,
Dundrum,
Dublin 16.
Madam, - Your measured Editorial of October 25th on the work restrictions imposed on Romania and Bulgaria was welcome. Since the collapse of the Soviet empire, this foundation has worked in countries right across post-Communist east and central Europe, helping their citizens to build up civil and political societies so grievously damaged by decades of oppression. What seems to be overlooked in our discussion about those countries is that transition has been slow and very difficult.
Looking around the region today, there are many recently elected governments which are not fully convinced of the merits of full democracy and the freedoms that we expect all EU members to enjoy. This latest hostile signal to two important aspirant countries will strengthen the remaining anti-Western, anti-democratic elements in Romania and Bulgaria. This is not something that western Europe should be complacent about.
While I understand that in reality we had no choice once Britain made its decision, I sincerely hope that the Government will press very hard for a change of this restriction at the earliest possible moment. We want friends in the eastern part of Europe, not aggrieved enemies. - Yours, etc,
GEMMA HUSSEY,
Director, European
Women's Foundation,
Burlington Road,
Dublin 4.