Big majority of employers say Lisbon 'Yes' will support jobs and economic recovery

IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, has released results of a major survey of over 500 Irish employers which reveals that an overwhelming majority believe that a 'Yes' vote to Lisbon is crucial to Ireland's economic recovery and will help support Irish jobs. The survey was conducted over recent weeks and includes companies from every part of the country and of every size, from very small firms to major multinationals that employ thousands. The survey showed that 86 per cent consider a 'Yes' vote on Friday 2nd October as important/very important for Irish companies exporting into the EU. The survey involved companies who currently do not export; when these are excluded, the percentage rises to 89 per cent, with 65 per cent regarding a positive vote as very important and 24 per cent regarding it as important. The survey also found that that over 98 per cent of employers believe that EU membership has been important to the success of Irish business. Among companies with over 50 employees, the figure was 100 per cent, while for companies with fewer than 50 employees the figure was 97.6 per cent. IBEC, which represents over 7,000 employers across in the country, said that a 'Yes' vote will send a positive signal to Ireland's European and international partners and was an essential building block on the road to economic recovery. IBEC director of EU and international affairs Brendan Butler said: "In these very difficult economic times, we need a positive relationship with our partners in Europe more than ever. We face enormous economic challenges and we must focus on protecting as many jobs as possible. We have an opportunity on 2nd October to send a clear message to our European and international partners that we want to play a full and active part in a reformed Europe. It is vital that Ireland remains a central player, at the heart of a reformed and better-functioning EU." Meanwhile, Business for Europe, the group of over 50 business and professional organisations also campaigning for a 'Yes' vote to Lisbon, has said that one of the critical elements in this country's economic growth over the past 30 years has been Ireland's ability to attract major international companies to set up substantial bases in Ireland. At a media briefing in Dublin, the group said a positive outcome to the Lisbon Treaty referendum will help secure this investment and maintain Ireland's very positive relationship with our trading partners in Europe. Members of Business for Europe include the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, IBEC, the Irish Taxation Institute, the Irish Hotels Federation, Chambers Ireland, the Irish Exporters Association and the Small Firms Association. Seven of the world's top 10 ICT companies and nine of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies have a base in Ireland. The total value of FDI when we joined the EU in 1973 was €17m, the figure today is €131 billion. There are currently 994 foreign companies in Ireland providing 140,000 direct jobs and almost 300,000 jobs through sub-suppliers and related services.