IBEC: 'There’s a new deal on table' for treaty
IBEC, the group that represents Irish employers, said that the Irish legal guarantees and assurances secured in respect of the Lisbon Treaty represent a ‘new deal’ for Irish voters.
In addition, IBEC said that the agreement that all states will keep a permanent commissioner is a direct and welcome response to concerns raised by many Irish voters last year.
IBEC director of EU and International Affairs Brendan Butler said: “It is clear that many voters had concerns regarding the loss of an Irish commissioner. Research also showed that many were worried that the Lisbon Treaty could interfere with our position on tax, military and social issues. All of these issues have now been addressed by rock-solid legal guarantees. There is now a ‘new deal’ on the table for Irish voters.
“The treaty ensures that key national interests are protected and our ability to determine our own corporate tax policy is guaranteed.
“Many foreign companies repeatedly state that the low rate of corporation tax in this country is one of the major reasons they established a base in Ireland. There are currently 994 foreign companies based here providing 140,000 well-paid jobs. These companies account for 85% of our manufacturing exports, they spend €15bn per annum in the Irish economy and at 3b, account for almost 50% of our corporation tax.
“The maintenance of our business-friendly tax policy, means that multinationals based here will stay and continue to employ ten of thousands of people.
“A yes vote is an essential step on the road to economic recovery and will send a very positive signal to European and international investors,” he said.
“A positive result is vital to ensure Ireland remains a constructive and dynamic partner in Europe. This is where we have succeeded in the past and remains the best way of protecting the national interest in the years ahead,” he added.
“The treaty will reform how decisions are made in the EU so that Europe can remain an engine for economic growth and prosperity. It will enable the EU to responded faster to the challenges ahead, such as energy security, global health threats, the rise of India and China as economic forces, and climate change. This is vital for the success of business in Ireland,” he added.
