Press release

14 February 2008

Exporters say “Yes” to Lisbon Treaty

Following an intensive question and answer session on the EU Reform (or Lisbon) Treaty with Minister Dick Roche TD, the Irish Exporters Association national council today (14^th February) issued a strong recommendation to all exporters to vote ’yes’ in the scheduled mid year referendum on the treaty.

John Whelan CEO of the Exporters organisation stated;

“The current EU model of governance is creaking and not efficient for either exporters or Irish business generally”.

He went on to cite why the Exporters National council is endorsing a “yes” vote as follows:

The Reform Treaty will oblige the European Commission to give advance notice of legislative proposals.

Whelan Stated “the new Yellow Card system of ensuring legislative review, is a major new development and should prevent rubber- stamping of any proposed future new regulations- a practice that has damaged Irish business in the past”.

Unanimous approval by all member states on taxation matters is protected in the Reform Treaty. The IEA Chief Executive stated “This is critical to Ireland’s retention of our current favourable corporation tax regime. And is perhaps the most significant reason for exporters to vote yes”.

The Treaty will simplify arrangements for the negotiations and conclusion of international trade agreements. John Whelan expanded on this saying “International trade agreements advancing the interests of Irish and European exporters is critical to our competitiveness outside of Europe. They also protect our home market from “dumping” and other non-competitive actions from outside”.

The IEA concluded by saying they will be campaigning for all Irish exporters to vote yes to the Reform Treaty over the next four months to polling day.

For further info please contact:

John Whelan, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association

Mobile: 087 9271243 Email: jfwhelan@irishexporters.ie