Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the ratification of the Lisbon treaty will improve the economic prospects here and for the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31766/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government firmly believes that ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will significantly aid our economic recovery. By backing the Treaty on 2 October, we will be taking a decisive step in a positive direction for our economy.

A positive result on 2 October will serve to dispel the uncertainties which have arisen since last year's referendum regarding Ireland's future in the European Union. Such a result will reassure existing and potential foreign investors that we intend to remain fully engaged with the European Union, a position from which we have prospered over the last three and a half decades. This will serve to protect existing jobs here and will maximise our capacity to win future investment projects for Ireland. One of our prime attractions for foreign investors has been our free and unfettered access to a market of almost 500 million people.

The negative perception generated by a second No vote would, I believe, be deeply damaging to our reputation as an attractive investment location within the European Union. A positive result next month will, as confidence in our economy and its future direction is bolstered, also serve to contribute to an easing in the premium which is currently being paid by Government for its borrowings.

The stakes on 2 October, in terms of protecting and creating jobs and improving prospects for an early return to economic growth, could not be higher. That is why all major business bodies, including IBEC, the Irish Exporters Association and the Small Firms Association, are urging a Yes vote. It is why more than 90% of our economists and 86% of firms in Ireland who were consulted in a recent survey also want a Yes vote. It is why our biggest trade union, SIPTU, and other major Irish unions have come out in favour of a Yes vote. In short, in the view of those who best know our economy, those who drive our export effort and those who are responsible for bringing foreign investment into Ireland, a Yes vote will be good for jobs, good for investment, good for our capacity to borrow at competitive rates and good for our economic future.

The Treaty will also, of course, be good for the economic prospects of the Union as a whole. The Treaty states that "the Union's aim will be to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples." It will give us the tools we need to tackle the major economic challenges facing Europe in the years ahead. These challenges include climate change and energy security, which are clearly beyond the capacity of any one Member State to tackle on its own. The Treaty will also, of course, be good for the economic prospects of the Union as a whole. The Treaty states that "the Union's aim will be to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples." It will give us the tools we need to tackle the major economic challenges facing Europe in the years ahead. These challenges include climate change and energy security, which are clearly beyond the capacity of any one Member State to tackle on its own. In a changing global situation with new economic powers on the rise, it is essential that Europeans be in a position to work together in an effective manner in pursuit of the values and interests we have in common.