A Yes to Lisbon important for Job Retention says Brady

Posted on 08/09/09 by Áine Brady Local TD and Minister of State, Aine Brady has highlighted the importance of Job Retention and Job Creation as a key issue that needs to be considered by voters in the forthcoming Lisbon Treaty.

Speaking after attending a Pro Lisbon Launch by Women in Favour of the Lisbon Treaty in Kilkenny last Saturday and ahead of a meeting on Wednesday night to organise Fianna Fail's local campaign in North Kildare, Minister Brady stated;

‘The fact that 2 out of 3 Irish jobs depend on exports to the EU, demonstrates the importance of the EU to our economy. To retain jobs and to create other jobs in Ireland we have to export. Ireland's inland market is not sufficient to maintain our jobs market. Europe gives us access to a market of 500 million people and we need a successful EU to have a market for our goods and services.'

‘For Europe to be more effective and democratic, it is in our interest and Europe interest's to pass the Lisbon Treaty.'

‘The main concerns raised by the people in last year referendum have been addressed. We will retain a Commissioner and the Treaty will be subject to binding legal guarantees on Ireland's main concerns, including Taxation policy, right to life, and neutrality,' stated Minister Brady.

‘The European Council also agreed on a Solemn Declaration on Workers Right which confirms the importance that the EU attaches to the protection of workers' rights.'

‘Kildare has been very successful in attracting Foreign Direct Investment and in order to help in attracting further companies to base here. We need to enhance our image as a Pro European country by passing the Lisbon Treaty and leave no doubt in peoples mind about our approach to the EU.'

‘We have nothing to fear from passing the Treaty, but we have everything to gain. I believe that it is in the interests of all Irish people and Businesses that this country votes Yes to Lisbon on 2nd of October next,' concluded Minister Brady.