EC questions legality of Ireland’s welfare restrictions
23/09/2005 - 07:40:53The European Commission has reportedly questioned the legality of the Irish Government's decision to deny social welfare benefits to EU citizens.
At present, citizens of other EU countries must be living in Ireland for two years before they qualify for social welfare payments.
The restriction was part of legislation introduced last year amid fears that EU expansion could lead to so-called "welfare tourism".
Reports this morning said the European Commission had sent a "notice of infringement" to the Government in relation to the extent to which benefits were being denied to EU citizens.
Several groups working with migrants have been complaining that the restrictions are forcing many people to sleep on the streets or in cars when they travel to Ireland to seek work.
