Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy that this is yet another kite flown by certain people to try to suggest there is something in the treaty which would affect our ability to entice foreign direct investment into Ireland and the European Union. In fact, the exact opposite is the case. The provisions of the treaty are all about the ability of European companies to do business with third countries and ensuring barriers put up by third countries in dealing with European companies are reduced. That is what the reference to foreign direct investment in the treaty is all about. To say otherwise is incorrect. IBEC, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland and a number of other business groups have called for support for the treaty.

With regard to the role of the Referendum Commission, I expect it will respond to and deal with issues in an objective way in order that there is no fear of misinformation. It will give independent, objective advice on some of the kites flown during the campaign in order that the public can make up its own mind. We should consider, for example, the benefits that have accrued to Irish business and the economy through our involvement with the Single European Act. We would not have had that Act without qualified majority voting. The qualified majority system is sometimes portrayed as being bad but we would not have had a single market without it. Ireland has gained hugely from our involvement in the Single Market. Our previous economic development has been replicated in the period since we joined.

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