Vote YES for the future of the Irish economy – that’s according to Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP.



“It is in Ireland’s economic interest that the Lisbon Treaty is passed on October 2nd next.



The Lisbon Treaty will ensure that decision making procedures within the EU institutions will become more effective into the future. This will make for better lawmaking at an EU level and this is good news for the future development of the Irish and the European economies.



In 1973, foreign direct investment was valued at €18 million. There are now over 950 foreign companies located in Ireland which directly employ over 130,000 people.

These companies locate in Ireland because they want to access the EU marketplace of over 500 million people.



60% of all the products that we manufacture in Ireland are sold into the other 26 member states of the EU.



People who create jobs in Ireland want a Yes vote.



Companies around the world who seek to invest in Ireland want to see Irish negotiators sitting at the top decision making tables in Europe. They want to see Ireland having influence in Europe. They want to ensure that Ireland stays as a respected, committed and leading member of the European Union.



We should re-call that the European Union is playing a key role in helping Ireland to pull out of economic recession.

The European Central Bank has provided us with billions of Euro so as to support our banking system and our economy. Our membership of the Eurozone has been form of stability for Ireland even during these very difficult economic times.



Under the 7th EU Research and Technology Framework Programme 2007 – 2013, Irish companies have received €100 million in financial support under this initiative.

This means that Irish companies are receiving over 1 million Euro a week under this programme. This will help to ensure that Ireland can stay competitive as new technologies come on stream.



Ireland is receiving €375 million from the European Social Fund so that we can help to re-train people who have sadly lost their jobs during this economic recession.



The European Union provides €1.8 billion each year to support our farmers, our rural communities and our food sector.

Negotiations are already underway in Europe concerning how much will be allocated to the Common Agricultural Policy during the period 2014-2021. Ireland needs to engage in these negotiations from a position of strength and not weakness.



The European Investment Bank (E.I.B.) is providing financial support for Irish small and medium sized companies. The E.I.B. is also financing the construction of infrastructural projects which are modernising our road and energy networks.



The European Union is providing €400 million to consolidate the peace process in Ireland.

We should never forget that the European Union is the greatest peace project in the world and we should promote and protect this political project at every turn.



On June 18th last, EU leaders agreed a legally binding protocol which states that the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty do not give any powers to the European Union in the area of taxation. In other words, issues concerning taxation, including the setting of the rate of Corporation Tax in Ireland is for Ireland to deal with alone.



Protecting the Irish economy is best served by a Yes vote on October 2nd next”.



ENDS.



September 21st