IBEC - Newsroom

IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, today released results of a major survey of over 500 Irish employers which revealed that an overwhelming majority believe that a yes vote is crucial to our economic recovery and will help support Irish jobs. The survey was conducted over recent weeks and includes companies from every part of the country and of every size, from very small firms to major multinationals that employ thousands.

The survey showed that 86% consider a Yes vote on Friday 2 October as important/very important for Irish companies exporting into the EU. The survey involved companies who currently do not export; when these are excluded the percentage rises to 89%, with 65% regarding a yes vote as very important and 24% regarding it as important.

The survey also found that that over 98% of employers believe that EU membership has been important to the success of Irish business. Among companies with over 50 employees the figure was 100%, while for companies with fewer than 50 employees the figure was 97.6%.

Reacting to the survey results, IBEC which represents over 7,000 employers right across in the country, said that a yes vote will send a positive signal to our European and international partners and was an essential building block on the road to economic recovery. It said that a yes vote was the right vote for jobs and the economy.

IBEC Director of EU and International Affairs Brendan Butler said: "In these very difficult economic times, we need a positive relationship with our partners in Europe more than ever.

"We face enormous economic challenges and we must focus on protecting as many jobs as possible. We have an opportunity on October 2 to send a clear message to our European and international partners that we want to play a full and active part in a reformed Europe. It is vital that Ireland remains a central player, at the heart of a reformed and better-functioning EU.

"At a time of great economic turbulence a question mark hangs over our reputation and our relationship with Europe. By removing the uncertainty that currently exists, a yes vote will ensure that Ireland remains an attractive location for foreign investment. A yes vote is a very positive step towards getting Ireland firmly on the road to recovery.

"The EU is Ireland's most important export market, fast approaching an annual value of €100 billon (€95b in 2008), this represents almost 65% of all exports. The importance of the EU market cannot be underestimated with 198,000 people directly employed by companies exporting to the EU and a further 200,000 jobs being provided through sub-suppliers and related activities. Exports by Irish companies to the EU have grown by almost 100 % since the single market was established in 1997. The single market and access to a customer base of 500 million customers throughout the EU have been the factors that have contributed to this massive growth.

"However, some restrictions on access to EU markets still exist for Irish companies. The Lisbon Treaty will further help Irish companies by ensuring that European rules give Irish exporters better access to EU markets. The EU has been a major factor in boosting exports and increasing employment in the past, and is central to our future success.

“The Treaty will reform how decision are made in the EU so that Europe can remain an engine for economic growth and prosperity. It will enable the EU to responded faster to the challenges ahead, such as energy security, global health threats, the rise of India and China as economic forces, and climate change. This is vital for the success of business in Ireland."