Lisbon guarantees represent 'new deal', says Ibec

GUARANTEES SECURED by the Government ahead of the second Lisbon referendum campaign will represent a “new deal” for Ireland, Ibec said yesterday.

The employers group strongly endorsed the Yes campaign and said it welcomed the new agreement that all European Union states will retain a permanent commissioner.

Ibec director of EU and international affairs Brendan Butler said its board and national council had decided that the group should take a strong, assertive and upfront stance in support of the treaty, which will be put to referendum on October 2nd.

He said while the retention of a commissioner by each state was not necessarily a gain for the business community, all the research showed it was a vitally important issue for voters. It was therefore an important gain for them. “It is clear that many voters had concerns regarding the loss of an Irish commissioner,” Mr Butler said.

“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,” he said.

Mr Butler also welcomed the greater clarity given by the assurances on the issue of corporation tax. “The treaty ensures that key national interests are protected and our ability to determine our own corporate tax policy is guaranteed,” he said. “Many foreign companies repeatedly state that the low rate of corporation tax in this country is one of the major reasons they have established a base in Ireland.”

He referred to figures showing that 994 foreign companies are based in Ireland, providing 140,000 jobs.

These companies account for 85 per cent of all manufacturing exports, he said.

“A Yes vote is an essential step on the road to economic recovery and will send a very positive signal [from Ireland],” added Mr Butler.