Menu
03/09/2009
Lisbon Treaty Guide Launched By EC
The European Commission has today launched a guide to the Lisbon Treaty to be distributed throughout the State ahead of next month's referendum.
Secretary-General of the European Commission, Catherine Day, presented the document 'Your guide to the Lisbon Treaty' at a launch in Dublin today.
Ms Day, who is the most senior Irishwoman official of the European Commission, said: "We have produced this simple guide in response to the clear demand for information not just in Ireland but in all the Member States.
"It's available in every EU language including Irish. I very much hope that this easy guide to the Treaty will help Irish people make up their minds on the important question they must answer on the 2nd of October".
Up to 70,000 copies of the guide will be distributed to public libraries, various public offices and the political parties in the coming days.
It is also available on the Representation's website www.euireland.ie under Lisbon downloads.
The 18 page document is a quick guide to the issues covered by the treaty, and concludes: "After decades of war that cost millions of lives, the foundation of the EU marked the beginning of a new era where European countries solve their problems by talking, not fighting.
"Today, members of the EU enjoy a wealth of benefits. The existing rules, however, were designed for a much smaller EU, and an EU that did not have to face global challenges such as climate change, a global recession or international cross-border crime.
"This is the purpose of the Lisbon Treaty."
The launch of the docment comes just as Sinn Fein, the only major Irish party officially opposing the treaty, announced the beginning of their 'No' campaign.
European Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the government is "ignoring the will of the people" and engaging in "the politics of fear".
"As with their mishandling of the economy Brian Cowen's government are refusing to listen to the very real concerns of the electorate on Lisbon," he said.
The second vote on whether Ireland should implement the Lisbon Treaty takes place on Friday 2 October.
(DW/BMcC)
Secretary-General of the European Commission, Catherine Day, presented the document 'Your guide to the Lisbon Treaty' at a launch in Dublin today.
Ms Day, who is the most senior Irishwoman official of the European Commission, said: "We have produced this simple guide in response to the clear demand for information not just in Ireland but in all the Member States.
"It's available in every EU language including Irish. I very much hope that this easy guide to the Treaty will help Irish people make up their minds on the important question they must answer on the 2nd of October".
Up to 70,000 copies of the guide will be distributed to public libraries, various public offices and the political parties in the coming days.
It is also available on the Representation's website www.euireland.ie under Lisbon downloads.
The 18 page document is a quick guide to the issues covered by the treaty, and concludes: "After decades of war that cost millions of lives, the foundation of the EU marked the beginning of a new era where European countries solve their problems by talking, not fighting.
"Today, members of the EU enjoy a wealth of benefits. The existing rules, however, were designed for a much smaller EU, and an EU that did not have to face global challenges such as climate change, a global recession or international cross-border crime.
"This is the purpose of the Lisbon Treaty."
The launch of the docment comes just as Sinn Fein, the only major Irish party officially opposing the treaty, announced the beginning of their 'No' campaign.
European Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the government is "ignoring the will of the people" and engaging in "the politics of fear".
"As with their mishandling of the economy Brian Cowen's government are refusing to listen to the very real concerns of the electorate on Lisbon," he said.
The second vote on whether Ireland should implement the Lisbon Treaty takes place on Friday 2 October.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 September 2009
Lisbon Is 'Significant Challenge'
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has today admitted the Government faces a "significant challenge" to get the Lisbon Treaty ratified in the upcoming October 2nd vote.
Lisbon Is 'Significant Challenge'
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has today admitted the Government faces a "significant challenge" to get the Lisbon Treaty ratified in the upcoming October 2nd vote.
25 September 2009
Taoiseach Heckled Over Lisbon In Kildare
The Taoiseach has been on the receiving end of some anti-Lisbon ill will by campaigners at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Kildare. Supporters of Sinn Féin, who are taking an anti-Lisbon stance, and the recently formed Farmers Against Lisbon group encircled the Taoiseach yesterday as he made his way through the trade exhibition area.
Taoiseach Heckled Over Lisbon In Kildare
The Taoiseach has been on the receiving end of some anti-Lisbon ill will by campaigners at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Kildare. Supporters of Sinn Féin, who are taking an anti-Lisbon stance, and the recently formed Farmers Against Lisbon group encircled the Taoiseach yesterday as he made his way through the trade exhibition area.
08 September 2009
Councillors Oppose Lisbon Treaty
A coalition of 135 town and county councillors has joined forces in opposition of the Lisbon Treaty. The group includes Socialist Party councillors, members of the Labour Party, the People Before Profit alliance, the Workers Unemployed South Tipperary Action Group and several Independents.
Councillors Oppose Lisbon Treaty
A coalition of 135 town and county councillors has joined forces in opposition of the Lisbon Treaty. The group includes Socialist Party councillors, members of the Labour Party, the People Before Profit alliance, the Workers Unemployed South Tipperary Action Group and several Independents.
21 October 2008
Committee Seeks Answers From Microsoft Chief Over Lisbon
The Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland will be among witnesses appearing before the Oireachtas Sub-committee on the fall-out from the Lisbon Treaty. The Committee will be questioning Mr Paul Rellis on the implications for businesses in Ireland following the rejection of the Lisbon referendum.
Committee Seeks Answers From Microsoft Chief Over Lisbon
The Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland will be among witnesses appearing before the Oireachtas Sub-committee on the fall-out from the Lisbon Treaty. The Committee will be questioning Mr Paul Rellis on the implications for businesses in Ireland following the rejection of the Lisbon referendum.
01 October 2008
Mini EC 'Summit' For Cowen
Speculation over a Lisbon Treaty vote re-run in Ireland is likely to intensify this week with news that Taoiseach Brian Cowen and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are meeting in Paris today.
Mini EC 'Summit' For Cowen
Speculation over a Lisbon Treaty vote re-run in Ireland is likely to intensify this week with news that Taoiseach Brian Cowen and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are meeting in Paris today.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Much of the day will be dry with some hazy sunshine. Thickening cloud will bring some patchy rain from the southwest later in the afternoon. Warm. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:This evening will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these clearing away towards midnight. Then the rest of the night will be dry with clear periods. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
