After many hints, the Government has decided to restrict the number of work permits issued to people from Bulgaria and Romania when these states join the European Union next January. According to Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin, it is time to take stock, be cautious and concentrate on addressing the integration needs of those who have already come to live and work in Ireland.
He should have mentioned that since the United Kingdom has decided to introduce similar restrictions he had little option but to do likewise if the common travel area is to be preserved. That is the political reality lying behind this decision. It is a convenient fact to hide behind when political and other pressure is mounted not to open the Irish labour market to these two states in the same way it was to the 10 states which joined the EU in 2004.
Mr Martin, to be fair, acknowledges the outstanding problems arising from this large-scale migration. There are indeed many such issues to tackle. Ibec, the ESRI and the trade unions have all supported his decision, as have the two main Opposition parties. Their judgment is based on the adequacy of existing migrant flows to fill out the Irish labour market, and on the need to ensure better regulation and protection against the displacement and exploitation of Irish workers.
These are all valid arguments. But it is still questionable whether great numbers of workers would want to come here from Romania or Bulgaria. Most of their migration has been to Italy, Greece and Spain - not that these states are opening their borders to them immediately either. It is difficult to distinguish the principle of free movement from the practical realities of lobby groups and concerned public opinion. But it should be recognised that the overall record of migration here from the new member states is definitely positive so far. The adjustment and integration called for by Mr Martin are certainly needed, but are under way. More resources are required to ensure that this is achieved harmoniously in the period ahead, when many of those who came for work may decide to stay here and bring their families. That is a major challenge, but it is a welcome one.
Mr Martin says that this decision will be reviewed in 2008. In any case, it has a maximum seven years to run. During this time Romania and Bulgaria will adjust themselves to EU membership. They do not seem likely to reciprocate with similar restrictions on Irish or other EU freedoms of movement or investment. EU membership, once achieved, is an equal engagement and should be recognised as such.