Seanad debates

Friday, 13 September 2002

An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim (Atógáil). Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage (Resumed).

 

I set before this House yesterday the chilling words of the Economist Intelligence Unit which suggested that we, in Ireland, would risk a lot if we voted "No". Many Senators contributed on this and were right to do so as it is the real issue. If Ireland creates doubts, it will lose out. The chief executive of the IDA could not have been clearer in his recent pronouncements, and the president of the Cork Chamber of Commerce, who I quoted yesterday, was equally clear. I also quoted many economists and business leaders yesterday who know something about creating jobs. They have all made the same point. Mr. John Dillon, president of the Irish Farmers Association, said it is inescapable that it is in Ireland's interest to ratify the Nice treaty and retain our influence at the centre of EU decision-making processes. I quoted from Mr. David Begg's sensible contribution yesterday, and Members have heard from the head of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Mr. Bill Attley was also clear on the issue.

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