When the European Union began a process of enlargement, it was realised the procedures which served 6 member states in the 1950’s would have to be adapted to accommodate now 27 member states in 2008. Many of the streamlining procedures were already agreed in the Nice treaty, what is at stake now is the mechanics.

The Lisbon treaty offers a great deal for Ireland by ensuring these new mechanisms guarantee fairness and parity for member states large and small, whilst safeguarding Ireland’s independence on issues such as neutrality, abortion, corporate taxation and many others.

Key Points for Ireland include:

• No change and full veto preserved in key areas of taxation, defence, right to life and neutrality (Maastricht Protocol and Articles 6, 11 & 28).

• Provisions to prevent large countries forming groups to dominate others (Article 9c).

• A stronger European trade bloc enables greater leverage in economic and energy markets when competing with Russia/ USA / China / Other large blocs (Article 194).

• Enhanced cooperation on matters such as climate change, illegal immigration, international crime, energy policy (Article 77 & 194).

• Pioneering environmental legislation to protect the local and global environment (Article 2).

• The Charter of fundamental rights will enshrine many social protections into law. Some of these include; equal work for equal pay, gender equality, right to paid parental and maternity leave, protection of personal data and many more, (Article 6).

• Lisbon provides greatly enhanced role for national parliaments and for European parliament (Article 8c) and ensures balance of power between officials and elected representatives (Article 233).

The Treaty is supported by every political party bar one; by a majority of Irish trade unions; by employers and business organisations; all stakeholders in the European process.