Vol. 548 No. 5
86 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, following the recent ratification of agreements between Ireland, the European Union and Switzerland, there is freedom for Swiss people to work here and Irish people in Switzerland without the necessity for work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5377/02]
All the member states of the EU have now ratified the Agreement on Free Movement of Persons between the European Community, its member states and the Swiss Confederation. It is expected to enter into force on 1 May. The commencement order for the coming into operation of the European Communities and Swiss Confederation Act, 2001, will be made by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, shortly. This will enable the free movement of workers between EU member states and Switzerland without the need for work permits.
