2009
YES VOTE FOR LISBON VITAL FIRST STEP IN IRISH EXPORTERS
5 POINT PLAN TO CREATE 140,000 JOBS � Irish Exporters� AssociationToday( 4th September) thousands of workers in export companies, ports and airports across Ireland hold Export Europe Day events and briefings to highlight Ireland's exports to Europe
The Irish Exporters Association this morning said that a yes vote is the first vital step in a 5 Point Recovery Plan which could realise 140,000 export related jobs over the next three years while a no vote means we would not only lose that opportunity but put at risk the thousands of jobs already related to exports in Ireland.
Exports account for 80% of GDP and exports to EU member states account for 65% - on this basis, exports to Europe make up more than 52% of Irish National income. Exports to our European customers account for more than 400,000 jobs in the Irish economy today.
Launching the plan at Dublin Port, the Association's President said "There are new provisions in the Lisbon Treaty and Ireland, as an export dependent country, is set to benefit most from these."
The launch at Dublin Port coincides with national Europe Exports Day with thousands of workers in export companies participating in breakfast briefings across Ireland and hundreds of truck drivers, freight companies and shipping lines taking part in events at ports in Rosslare, Waterford, Cork Shannon-Foynes and Drogheda as well as Shannon Airport and Dublin Airport. 1 million containers leave Dublin Port every year and a half a million containers go through the other ports around Ireland, the vast majority of which are destined for European Ports.
Commenting on the 5 Point Recovery Plan Mr. Shanahan said there were key provisions in the Lisbon Treaty which were essential for Irish workers. "The direct provisions of the Lisbon Treaty allows for increased investment in research and development, the reform of energy policy and a provision to relax and fast track state aid rules, all of which are essential for progress in the thousands of exporting companies across Ireland. The provisions are not available if we vote no to Lisbon", he added.
Other measures in the 5-point plan include the fast release of export stimulus packages from Government, improved trade finance from banks and the reduction of business costs.
The IEA are firmly of the opinion that if these measures are rapidly introduced, a 7% growth in exports can be achieved over the next three years with resultant export sales growth of €35 billion in the time frame, and the creation of 70,000 direct sustainable new jobs plus an equal number in indirect employment, for a total of 140,000 new jobs.
Concluding Mr. Shanahan said: "We need a concerted national effort to recover in Ireland and exports are the driver. Europe is our most important market and biggest opportunity. In my experience we are already losing out on inward investment decisions because of the uncertainty and not only that, but our customers in Europe may perceive us to be blocking progress on issues such as R&D and energy policy if we vote no again. Damaging relationships with our most important customers can't be good for sales, which in turn will impact on jobs."
ENDSJohn Whelan, Chief Executive
Irish Exporters Association
Mobile: 087 927 1243
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