Sir, - One important issue which seems to have been overlooked is the beneficial effect which enlargement will bring to the applicant states in terms of gender and equality legislation.
Ireland has benefited undoubtedly from the influence of the European Union in this area. For example, back in the early 1970s, the EEC's Equal Pay Directive had a profound effect in this country, transforming the workplace for Irish women.
Before membership is offered to applicant States, they must pass Community legislation in the area of equality. In some of the applicant countries there are marked pay gaps and social attitudes which prevent fuller female participation in the labour market down.
By ratifying the Treaty of Nice we are offering the full raft of EU equality legislation to these applicant states, going some way to ensure equal pay and gender equality through membership of an enlarged European Union. - Yours, etc.,
Brian Monaghan, Foxfield Park, Dublin 5.