LISBON – SOME ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

1. Will Ireland's low corporate tax rate be affected?

Absolutely not. We keep our veto in this important area. The independent Referendum Commission has confirmed this. So have IBEC and a host of business organisations. Irish business would not be supporting this Treaty if it contained any threat to our low tax policy.

2) Will Ireland lose the right to remain neutral?
No. The Treaty does not affect our tradition of military neutrality. The Referendum Commission has confirmed this. Irish troops can only serve abroad with the approval of the Dáil and Government, and with a UN mandate. We cannot join a common defence. Ireland will continue to promote peace and justice internationally.

3) Does Ireland lose its EU Commissioner under the treaty?
No. The Commission will be reduced in size if Lisbon is ratified. Each country will be treated exactly the same. We, and all other countries, will have a Commissioner for 10 years out of 15. Ireland will be treated in the same way as Germany. This is a good deal for small states.

4) Will we be forced to allow abortion here?
Absolutely not. Ireland’s right to decide its own policy is guaranteed in the Treaty. The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, endorses this view. He said he does "not believe that this treaty changes the current position with regard to Ireland's position on abortion within the EU".

5) Will the Dáil lose power to make laws to Europe?
No. The Treaty will provide the Dáil & Seanad with a more direct role in EU law making. It will strengthen the ability of TDs and Senators to examine proposed EU legislation and assess its impact on the everyday lives of Irish citizens

6) Will workers' rights be affected?
The EU is responsible for much of our social and employment rights legislation. This includes the maximum 48 hour week and at least four weeks paid holidays every year. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is supporting the Treaty. So is the European TUC. The Treaty sets the EU’s aims as full employment and social progress.

7) What are the consequences for Ireland of a No vote?
There are no benefits in a No vote. We will lose goodwill and negotiating strength in Brussels. Suggestions by opponents that we can simply ask for a better deal are wide of the mark.

8) How will Ireland benefit from the Treaty?
A Yes vote will allow the EU to be more effective. A more effective EU is in Ireland’s interest, especially in dealing with big issues like energy security, climate change and cross border crime.

The Treaty allows us to maintain our national control over vital national issues like taxation and defence.