This article is from page 12 of the 2006-10-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE Government’s decision to require Romanians and Bulgarians to gain permits to work in Ireland, even after both countries become full members of the European Community next year, has been described as “offensive” and “discriminatory” by a spokesperson for the Romanian community in Clare.
It is estimated that there are in the region of 200 Romanian nationals living in Clare at present, while the numbers of Bulgarian nationals is believed to be much lower.
“There are about 20,000 Romanian immigrants in Ireland and, while most are located in Dublin, there are thousands all over the country, including in Clare,” said Cezar Gaman of the Romanian Society of Ireland.
“We are quite offended by the decision and we hope that the Government will change its mind. We believe that it is very discriminatory compared to Polish people and people from other countries.
“It is not very realistic in any case because it will be impossible to police.”
The Immigrant Council of Ireland has also criticised the decision, describing it as “politically motivated” and accusing the Government of failing to take account of the positive impact that foreign workers have had on the Irish economy.
“Freedom of movement of workers is one of the key fundamental freedoms for EU citizens,” said a spokesperson for the immigrant council. “It is therefore essential that hard evidence and rational policies inform fundamental decisions such as the right of EU citizens to work in Ireland.”