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It is important as business organisations that we inform ourselves on the EU Reform Treaty and its effect on Irish business. Click here to view a pamphlet briefly explaining what the treaty does and why it is important to Ireland. Further information is available at www.reformtreaty.ie. Please communicate your views to Waterford Chamber via email to
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Websites
www.yestolisbon.ie
www.ibeclisbon.ie
www.lisbontreaty2008.ie
www.reformtreaty.ie
Turn Out is Crucial to a YES result in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum
The Lisbon Treaty referendum on the 12th of June will determine Ireland's future direction. Make sure you are part of the decision making process by voting in the referendum. When deciding how to vote Waterford Chamber urges members and their emplyees to consider what is in Ireland's interests.
The Business Alliance for Europe represents nearly 40 of Ireland's leading business and professional organisations (see list attached) and is calling for a YES vote to the Lisbon Treaty Referendum on the 12th of June. The Business Alliance for Europe is calling for a YES vote because:
The Lisbon Treaty is about reforming the EU to ensure it is fit for purpose to meet the new challenges of the 21st century like energy security, climate change and the raise of China, India and Brazil.
A YES to the Lisbon Treaty will lead to a more efficient and effective EU and that directly benefits Ireland. The Lisbon Treaty also maintains Ireland's veto over EU tax proposals and copper fastens our neutrality.
A YES to the Lisbon Treaty will:
- Provide stability and certainty to the Irish economy as it moves into a new phase of development
- Copper fasten our veto over EU tax proposals
- Ensure Ireland remains a good place to do business and remains an attractive location for FDI
- Enable the continued development of the Single Market opening up vast new opportunities to Irish businesses in the EU market of nearly 500 million people
- Continue the positive impact of the EU on job creation in Ireland. Since Ireland joined the EU 1 million jobs have been created (There are currently 2.1 millions jobs in Ireland).
There are consequences to a rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. A no vote will lead to a loss of influence and goodwill towards Ireland among our EU partners which will undermine our ability to ensure Ireland's goals in Europe are achieved. It will send a message to potential sources of FDI that Ireland no longer wishes to position ourselves at the centre of Europe.
If you are unsure of the issues affected by the Lisbon Treaty go to the Referendum Commission website at www.lisbontreaty2008.ie. The Referendum Commission is an independent body set up by law to ensure voters are informed about the issues involved in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum.
Lisbon Treaty Guide for SMEs
As the main purpose of this Treaty is to modify and clarify the work of the EU, it doesn’t address directly to SME’s. Yet, it defines and frames various European policies which can have an impact on trade, services or industry. This guide aims to give an overview of the Treaty of Lisbon and its impact on Irish Small and Medium Companies. Click here to download this guide.
Why is business supporting the Lisbon Reform Treaty?
The Lisbon Treaty reforms the EU to make it more efficient, more effective and more democratic. It streamlines decision-making, gives Europe a bigger voice on the world stage and ensures that European citizens have a greater say.
Irish employers are enthusiastic supporters because the treaty ensures that where it is important to cooperate more with other European countries, the treaty allows this to happen.
The treaty will enable Europe to face the many new challenges ahead; such as globalisation and the rise of China as an economic force. It also gives Europe the power to tackle the new problems of the twenty first century, such as climate change and global health threats, such as bird flu and sars. More importantly for Irish jobs and for the Irish economy, the treaty also ensures that key national interests are protected. Due to the skill of Irish negotiators, our ability to set our own tax policy is guaranteed. Ireland will retain its veto on decision making in this area.
The maintenance of our business friendly tax policy means that big multinational based in Ireland will stay here, and continue to employ ten of thousands of people. It also means that Ireland will remain among one of the most attractive places in the world to invest. The success of the treaty will encourage more investment and the creation of more jobs here.
A rejection of the Lisbon Treaty will create a uncertainty for business, and could ultimately lead to a two tier Europe. Other countries could choose to press ahead and cooperate more closely with each other, leaving Ireland marginalised. In contrast, if we vote to support the treaty, Europe will develop in a way that suits Ireland, where Irish interests are protected.
Ireland is the economic success story of Europe and this Treaty will allow us to do even better. A yes vote in the referendum will secure Ireland's place in Europe, and is a vote for jobs and the economy.
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