Top bosses say 'Yes' to Lisbon will aid job creation

Some 90 per cent of CEOs in Ireland's top 50 multinational companies have said that a 'Yes' vote in next month's Lisbon Treaty referendum will strengthen the hand of Irish managers in maintaining existing jobs and attracting new jobs to Ireland. The survey, commissioned by the pro-Lisbon group, We Belong, and carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes over the past week, is the first major piece of research to be carried our amongst the heads of Ireland's top multinational companies. Ninety per cent of the chief executives surveyed believe that the perception of Ireland in Europe is important as the country competes for jobs while 94 per cent say an increase in demand for Irish exports is important to Ireland's economic recovery. Commenting on the in-depth research, We Belong director Olivia Buckley said it was clear that Ireland's vote on Lisbon would be central to the country's future job creation strategy. "The people on the frontline making the case for Ireland on the global stage have given an overwhelming signal that a 'Yes' vote will strengthen Ireland's hand when it comes to jobs and foreign investment," she said. Fifteen IDA-supported multinationals are located in County Meath, employing over 950 people, she added. The vast majority of the top multinational CEOs said that over 60 per cent of their workers were between 24 and 40 years of age. "We have the youngest population in Europe and we must give them every advantage and every opportunity for a secure future," added Ms Buckley. "It is vital that our decision on Lisbon is made in the best interests of the thousands of people employed in multinational companies and the thousands who are now seeking employment for themselves and their families," she added. "Foreign direct investment in Ireland has increased 1,800-fold since we joined the EU and multinational companies here employ over 400,000 people directly and indirectly in this country. Ireland's position and influence in the EU have been centrepieces in Ireland's foreign investment strategy for over 30 years. In an increasingly competitive global environment, where jobs are hard-won, it is necessary that we made a decision on 2nd October that is in the best interest of our country and our people," she added.