Carlow/Kilkenny’s concerns addressed with robust Lisbon deal

Posted on 19/06/09 by MJ Nolan Concerns raised by Carlow/Kilkenny voters during last year's Lisbon Treaty debate have been robustly addressed with the deal secured by Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin in Brussels, according to local Fianna Fáil TD, MJ Nolan.

"Both the Taoiseach and Minister Martin went to the summit to achieve two goals, a Decision on legal guarantees and a Protocol. These have been secured."

"The Guarantees confirm beyond any doubt that nothing in the Treaty impacts on Ireland's control over tax, our military neutrality and our constitutional provisions on the right to life, family and education."

"The deal we have secured from our European partners also ensures we keep our Commissioner. We set out the importance of workers rights in the European Union."

"In the coming months it is now important that voters in Carlow/Kilkenny are given an honest debate on the benefits of the EU, the impact it has on our local economy and jobs and what membership has delivered for our local communities."

"The people of Carlow and Kilkenny, like those throughout the country are pro-European. Time and again it has been shown beyond any doubt that they want Ireland to remain at the centre of the European Union."

"I look forward to the forthcoming campaign, to meeting the voters and engaging with them about what Europe really means for Carlow and Kilkenny", added Deputy Nolan.