Libertas blue card proposal is like tagging cattle – Paschal Mooney

Posted on 25/05/09 by Paschal Mooney A proposal by Libertas to introduce a blue card system for EU citizens is reminiscent of the tagging of cattle, according to MEP Candidate for the North West, Paschal Mooney (FF).

Mr Mooney has hit out at what he describes as the "bizarre proposal" by Libertas and has said the policy is similar to the system used to track the movements of cattle.

"Libertas are proposing to literally tag people under this blue card scheme.

"EU citizens would have to apply for a 'blue card' to allow them to work in other EU countries for a maximum of 2 years - and then reapply again.

"The system is reminiscent of the blue tag used to track cattle.

"They want to track people's movements in the same way that cattle are tagged for traceability.

"If Mr Ganleys proposals go through, it will mean that all Irish people will be required to seek written permission and be tagged, before being allowed to enter Northern Ireland or Britain.

"This effectively means that someone from Newry wanting to work in Dundalk would have to apply for a blue card and vice versa- adding more bureaucracy and regulation which they say they want to reduce.

"The EU market of 500 million people is vital to Ireland's economic survival.

" Irish companies must be able to sell their goods and services into the EU and we need to be able to travel freely in order to do this.

"In fact, the Single European Act allows for the free movement of people, goods and services.

"This is a completely bizarre proposal and a new low for Libertas," he said.