IBEC welcomes Lisbon Treaty guarantees
Employers' group IBEC today welcomed the agreement on Lisbon Treaty legal guarantees for Ireland, signed off by EU leaders meeting at the European Council in Brussels.
IBEC Director of EU and International Affairs Brendan Butler said: "The decision is as an important first step in providing a basis for securing the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the autumn.
"The Treaty’s successful ratification is more important now than ever. The outcome of the next referendum will define Ireland’s future relationship with Europe, and therefore with the world at large. A positive result is vital to ensure Ireland remains a constructive and dynamic partner in Europe. That is where our interests lie and where our future rests.
"At a time of great uncertainty our focus in Ireland must be to strengthen the economy and protect jobs," Butler said.
"The Irish rejection 12 months ago has left a question mark hanging over our relationship with the EU. It has had a detrimental effect on business relationships abroad and has weakened the hand of those we rely on to defend and promote our interests in Brussels."
