Brussels, 29/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 June, the Commission decided to send an official request to Ireland for information on certain country development plans that require specific criteria to be fulfilled before a dwelling authorisation can be granted. For example, most counties require local employment in specific activities linked to the land or the presence of family members in the area. The Commission wishes to verify whether the measures in question are compatible with Article 43 and 56 of the EC Treaty which guarantee the freedom of establishment and the free movement of capital respectively. This official request takes the form of a “letter of formal notice”, the first step in the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. Ireland has two months in which to provide observations on the discriminatory aspects of the restrictions, their objectives, and the proportionality of the measures with the objectives pursued. (cd)