Why are we voting again?
Because our partners in Europe agreed to changes that meet Irish
concerns. Our Commissioner has been saved. Legal guarantees
will protect Ireland’s position on corporation tax, neutrality,
social issues (including abortion) and workers rights.

What is this Treaty about?
• Giving the ordinary citizen more infl uence
• Making the EU more effective – less bureaucracy and quicker
decision making, which is essential as the membership has
become larger

Will Ireland keep its Commissioner?
Yes. Ireland negotiated to keep our Commissioner indefi nitely.
But this will only happen if we vote yes to Lisbon.

Will Lisbon change our Tax Policy?
No. A legally binding declaration was signed saying that nothing
in the Lisbon Treaty could undermine Ireland’s veto on any tax
proposal initiated in Europe.

Will Lisbon affect Irish Neutrality?
No. The Lisbon Treaty does not affect Ireland’s traditional policy
of military neutrality. There will be no conscription and no
European army. Nothing in the Lisbon Treaty will take away
from Ireland’s right to decide how much we spend on defense,
and the sole right of the Dáil to decide on any deployment of
Irish troops. This in confi rmed by a legal declaration signed by
all 26 other member states.

Will Lisbon allow the EU to dictate Social Policy?
No. One of the legal guarantees secured by Ireland confi rms that
nothing in the Lisbon Treaty or in the EU Charter of Fundamental
Rights affects in any way the protection of the right to life, the
family or education in our Constitution.

Can the EU renege on these declarations?
No. The guarantees are a binding international agreement and
will be registered with the UN if Lisbon is passed. They will then
be attached to a future EU treaty as a binding protocol. They
could only be changed by a vote of the Irish people.
Does Lisbon create an EU Super state?

No. The EU can only act in areas where the Irish people have
given it specifi c authority. It cannot go beyond that mandate. The
EU is about countries working together in the common interest
of all. Most Council decisions are taken by consensus. Checks
and balances ensure the EU pays heed to every member.
Why is the Treaty so “complicated”?
It is a legal document which may be used in a court, so its terms
have to be accurately defi ned. Irish laws often run to hundreds
of pages. So it’s understandable that a Treaty which has to satisfy
the vital interests of 27 members and half a billion people will be
complicated. Many countries don’t put treaties to a referendum,
but instead devote weeks of debate in Parliament to teasing
it out. We believe endorsement by the people is important.
Complexity is not a reason to vote “no” and throw out years of
work which is endorsed by 97% of members of the Dáil.

Is Ireland losing influence?
No. Ireland will still have treble the infl uence in Parliament of
a citizen of a typical big country. Ireland will have a permanent
member of the EU cabinet.

Is it good to have fewer decisions where countries have a VETO?

Yes. In any organisation it is very diffi cult to get things done if
one objector can block every decision. Countries have agreed
that the VETO will be reserved only for vital areas. Ireland has
protected our veto on taxation, justice, on foreign policy and on
trade agreements.

Is the weight of the Irish Government getting
smaller?
No. Ireland used to have a vote worth 2% of total voting power
of the 27 Governments. In the future, a double majority will be
needed, the support of at least 15 member states, and of states
representing at least 65% of the population. As one of the 27
member countries Ireland’s vote is now worth 4%.

What has the EU ever done for us?
In Dublin alone the EU has helped build the M50, the DART
and Luas; it has transformed the Docklands; it has developed
childcare and training opportunities; and right now it is
putting up €300m to lend to small businesses and to keep people
in jobs. The EU is a partnership that offers mutual support.

What happens if we vote no?
If the Lisbon Treaty is not passed, the Treaties as amended by the
Nice Treaty will continue to apply. This means we will lose our
Commissioner and our guarantees.
However the impact of another “no” vote Ireland is the far
greater worry. It will create huge political uncertainty abour our
future in Europe as 26 other Governments want to move forward.
It will hugely damage our leverage within the Union. It is a risk we
cannot afford to take.