Microsoft MD set for Oireachtas Lisbon committee

An Oireachtas sub-committee on Ireland's future role in the EU is to question Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland, Mr Paul Rellis, on the implications for businesses in Ireland following the result of the Lisbon referendum.

Mr Rellis will appear before the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in Europe tomorrow morning.

A sub-committee of the Oireachtas's European Affairs Committee the all-party body is chaired by Senator Paschal Donohoe of Fine Gael and is beginning its second week of deliberations.

The body is tasked with reporting to the Joint Committee on European Affairs after studying issues that arose during the referendum campaign, and ways to improve public understanding of European issues.

This week, it will also hear submissions from the European Affairs Committee of the Folketing (Danish Parliament) and from a delegation from the German Parliament as well as Ms Catherine Day, Secretary General, European Commission and from Minister Dick Roche, TD, Minister for European Affairs. 

Commenting on Mr Rellis' appearance, Sen Donohoe said: "As head of one of the largest multi-national employers in the country, it will be  extremely informative to hear Mr Rellis' perspective on whether there have been ramifications for Irish businesses following the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty."

"We would like to find out if the treaty result has had a tangible effect  on the business sector and if so what this will mean for the future of  this vital area."

Terms of reference for the body, ask that it "contribute to an open, comprehensive and sincere debate on Ireland's future relationship with the EU".

The sub-committee is set to report its findings before Christmas.