The charge of racism levelled against Fine Gael by the Minister of State for Children, Brian Lenihan, is inaccurate. Its position is, in fact, xenophobic. Mr Lenihan was attempting to deflect media attention from the Government's failure to anticipate the full cost of childcare increases in the Budget.
Changes in EU regulations and advice from the Attorney General, Rory Brady, in early January, made it clear that the families of foreign workers from the new European Union accession states could not be denied social welfare nor childcare benefits. As happened when this Government extended free medical care to the over-70s, there was inadequate planning: the numbers involved will be higher than expected and there may be knock-on effects into other areas.
Fine Gael's handling of the matter has raised unreasonable fears about the cost to the State of childcare allowances for EU workers from accession states. Having - quite validly - accused the Government of failing to fully cost the new childcare system in the Budget, the party estimated the extra expenditure at €150 million a year when it is likely to be only a small fraction of that amount. In doing so, it played into the hands of those who would exploit social tensions.
The presence of foreign workers in Ireland is both good for the economy and good for society. But, in the recent Irish Times/TNS mrbi opinion poll, a worryingly high percentage of voters disagree. They would impose strict entry controls and believe the foreign workers' presence here depresses wages and makes it harder for Irish people to get work. In such a potentially volatile situation, political parties have a duty to weigh their words carefully and avoid contributing to underlying prejudices.
One Polish worker, who contributes to our economy and pays taxes here, not Poland, said the payment would go to educate his child at home. It would be preferable if he could have his family and domestic life here. The Department of Social and Family Affairs will, no doubt, be alert to possible fraud and ensure that the wives, or partners, of the workers involved will receive the allowances in their own countries. Operation of the schemes may also provide officials with an opportunity to ensure foreign workers are paid the basic minimum wage here.
At the moment, only 60 workers from accession countries claim child benefit, with a further 2,000 applications being processed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. That figure is likely to rise as more foreign workers become aware of their entitlements because of this Fine Gael controversy. These people contribute significantly to the wealth and economic vibrancy of our society. Just as retired Irish people can enjoy free healthcare in Spain, the families of foreign workers who pay their taxes here should be allowed to share in the benefits of our social welfare system. The free movement of persons inside the EU is a challenge. We can't have it both ways.