Bairbre de Brún to attend Oireachtas Committee on European affairs

23 February, 2006

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will travel to Dublin this morning for a series of engagements on European affairs. Ms de Brún has warned that we risk turning the EU into a ‘bargain basement society’.

Ms de Brún will attend the National Forum on Europe at Dublin Castle and then travel to Leinster House where she will participate in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs.

Speaking in advance of the meeting Ms de Brún said:

“Later this morning the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Charlie McCreevy will address the National Forum on Europe. The EU in continuing its drive for competitiveness at all costs is eroding the conditions in
which workers are employed. Privatisation and attacks on public services are marginalising large numbers of people. I hope to challenge this agenda and tell Mr McCreevy that the EU risks becoming a bargain basement society.

“I will also be taking the opportunity to encourage the Irish Government to reject the EU Services Directive at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs. The Services Directive will be put before the Government
for ratification in the time ahead and it is crucial that they are made aware of the negative consequences of rubber stamping this controversial directive.” ENDS

Note to Editor:

The National Forum on Europe will take place at Dublin Castle at 10.30am

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs will convene at 3.30pm