Taoiseach Backs EU Treaty

The Taoiseach has strongly endorsed the EU Reform Treaty and said that he is confident that the Irish people will safeguard Ireland’s future economic stability and growth by strongly supporting it.

In his first major public statement on the Treaty, the Taoiseach emphasised that the Reform Treaty’s sensible and pragmatic approach to modernising the European Union very much reflected Ireland’s approach to the Union.

Speaking at the National Forum on Europe today, the Taoiseach said: “The Irish people want a Europe that is equipped to support social and economic development and job creation, and rise to the global challenges of the 21st century.”

He said that the Treaty is a balanced document which provides a sensible and pragmatic recipe for a more efficient and effective EU.

"It modernises the Union’s institutions to better deliver for Europe and its citizens in the face of increasingly international challenges. It strengthens democracy, improves decision-making, and protects the rights of individuals within the Union, while making the Union more effective on the international stage,'' he addded.

Cautioning against taking the Union for granted, the Taoiseach recalled the massive benefits to Ireland of EU membership which range from the single market and the euro, to cheaper air travel, the European Health Insurance Card scheme and the freedom to travel, study and work across Europe.

Concluding his address, the Taoiseach added that Ireland was presented with an opportunity to affirm our commitment to the European project in these times of global economic turbulence.

He claimed support for the Treaty would send a positive signal of Ireland’s ability and willingness to embrace progress and maintain a leadership role in a fast changing world.

(VB)