asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any self-employed man or woman is now free to settle and work in any EEC country; if so, whether they enjoy similar rights of movement and residence in partner states as those granted to wage-earners under a 1968 directive; and how this directive applies to farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Worker Movement.
30.
I replied to a question on 12th July, 1973, in regard to the liberal professions—there has been no change in their situation since that date.
In regard to other self-employed persons, who are nationals of a member state, they have the right to settle, that is to enter and reside in any member state for the purpose of engaging in those activities in respect of which right of establishment has been granted pursuant to the Rome Treaty. More than 40 directives have been adopted by the Council in respect of a great number of self-employed activities and I am arranging to furnish details thereof to the Oireachtas Library. Such persons enjoy rights of residence and movement in member states similar to those granted to workers under Directive No. 68/360/ EEC of 15th October, 1968.
I should add however that there are exceptions to the right of establishment in the case of activities involving the exercise of official authority and there are also certain limitations which may be justified on grounds of public policy, public security or public health.
I should also add that the full right of establishment on agricultural land for self-employed persons does not yet operate.