LISBON. WE BELONG. YOU DECIDE.

On October 2nd the people will decide the future direction of Ireland.

You asked us to give you a real reason to vote yes for Lisbon,
You asked for one page,
You told us your main concerns were jobs and Ireland’s control over its future,

Here are the facts….

  1. Almost 70% of everything Ireland produces goes to Europe and 2 out of every 3 Irish jobs are related to exports.
  2. Positive sentiment towards Ireland counts – being a respected English speaking member of the EU has helped Ireland to get a disproportionate amount of the overall foreign jobs investment coming to Europe. We have punched above our weight.
  3. Decision makers in the US see Ireland as an important gateway to Europe.  This is vital for job creation. Often there is very thin line between the EU countries in the final shake up for foreign investments. Like every game – advantage is important.
  4. India and China are fast becoming the big global giants. Being at the EU table helps Ireland to protect its future.
  5. A vote for Lisbon will mean Ireland will be guaranteed a full time EU Commissioner with equal power at the EU Commission table.
  6. Lisbon is about amending some of the rules in the EU so we can facilitate the newer members. The vast majority of the ‘rules’ remain the same.
  7. The Irish Government is the gatekeeper of laws in Ireland and has the final say. It will continue to make the laws and policies on the key issues here in Ireland: taxation, health, education, social welfare, family issues, abortion, neutrality, justice, criminal law, education and laws concerning our children.
  8. Proposed laws and policies in Europe are decided by the Council of Ministers where Irish Ministers have a vote at the table. Only our elected representatives can make decisions. EU officials cannot vote to take final decisions for Ireland.
  9. The real fact is there is rarely a vote taken at EU Council of Ministers. EU members work hard together to reach an agreement that satisfies everyone. Ireland has done very well at the EU table because of our ability to negotiate, build good relationships with other countries and form alliances.
  10. Finally, many of you asked us about qualified majority voting. Any proposal to move issues which are currently decided by a ‘unanimous vote’ to a ‘qualified majority vote’ can be vetoed by Ireland. We will not be forced to accept changes we don’t want.