Irish citizens now have easy access to information on living working and studying in other member states, under a new European information programme called Citizens First. The programme, a joint initiative of the European Parliament and the European Commission, will eventually provide booklets and fact sheets on 10 areas of the rights of EU citizens. The first three booklets, on life, work and study, have already been published. A special toll free number, 1 800 55 31 88, has been established in each member country, through which citizens can order the guides in their own language.
Almost 500,000 Irish citizens live in other member states, according to EC figures, and 67,000 citizens from other members states live in Ireland.