Ireland’s interests not adversely affected

WE must all look carefully at the facts of the Lisbon Treaty.

The key changes being brought about by the treaty include:

* The creation of the post of president of the European Council.

* A new EU foreign policy representative.

* An enhanced role for national parliaments in the EU legislative process.

* The incorporation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into EU law.

* Providing 33 new powers to EU governments and to the European Parliament so they can enact new EU laws to combat international drug trafficking and organised crime.

* Reforming the practical operation of the Council of Ministers and the EU Commission.

This treaty does not give the EU any powers to set Ireland’s corporation tax rates or change our inward investment strategies. Neither does it change our laws governing abortion or euthanasia — or neutrality.

Decisions on foreign affairs issues still have to be taken unanimously by all 27 EU states.

With regard to representation on the EU Commission post-2014, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus will have exactly the same rights of representation as Germany, France and Britain.

This new treaty does not create any new policies which would adversely affect Ireland in any way whatsoever.

It will ensure the EU will be able to carry out its business in a more simplified and effective manner.

The treaty will help the EU to tackle the economic problems of Europe and global challenges such as climate change and cross-border crime in a much more structured manner.

I believe it is in both Ireland’s and Europe’s political and economic interests that this treaty is ratified.

Seán Ó Neachtain MEP

An Spidèal

Co na Gaillimhe.