Food and drink body is pro-Lisbon

THE Irish food and drink industry has come out in favour of a yes vote in next month’s Lisbon treaty referendum.

Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII), said it is the right vote for Ireland’s most important indigenous industry.

FDII director Paul Kelly said the industry is heavily dependent on exports with 73% going to the EU.

“We are now the largest net exporter of beef, lamb and dairy ingredients in the EU with strong growth in consumer foods and beverages. The doubling in the size of the sector over the last 12 years is testimony to the benefits brought by the single market of 480 million consumers that the EU has created,” he said.

Mr Kelly said it is clear that the sector can only benefit from a treaty, which will reform how decisions are made in the EU so that Europe can remain an engine for economic growth and prosperity.

“The treaty will enable the EU to respond faster to the new challenges ahead, such as energy security, the rise of India and China as economic forces, and climate change.”