Taoiseach Enda Kenny warned today the fiscal treaty referendum would form a major part of the country’s “recovery story”.
Speaking in Dublin, Mr Kenny said the consistent message he was getting from business and political leaders abroad was that “certainty” regarding Ireland’s place in the euro zone was “crucial” to maintaining foreign direct investment.
He said a Yes vote would ensure the strong flow of inward investment, which had prompted a string of recent jobs announcements, continued.
Mr Kenny was speaking at the Citywest offices of software firm SAP which yesterday announced plans to expand its Irish operations with the creation of 250 new jobs in Dublin and Galway.
He said that only a Yes vote would guarantee the country access to European Stability Mechanism (ESM) funds.
“I want this country to have the same access as all other European countries to this insurance policy which is another reassurance for would-be investors looking at Europe or looking at Ireland in particular.”
Mr Kenny said a Yes vote would also ensure “good housekeeping rules” are put place so that responsible budgeting becomes the norm across Europe.
“This will ensure that no future Government in this country - of any shape or hue - will be able to behave recklessly with peoples' money.”
“A Yes vote on the May 31st ensures that Ireland remains open for business and is seen to remain open for business.”
As a small, open economy, Mr Kenny said, Ireland would continue to strive for a stable and a competitive business environment that can continue to attract foreign direct investment as well as growing indigenous industry.
He said the country had a number of core strengths including a stable and transparent corporate tax regime which “would not be changing under any circumstances”.
“Our budgetary plans for 2013 and beyond rely on continued and accelerated economic growth and this in turn is dependent upon the continued rebuilding of investor confidence in our country.”
The country, he said, had made great progress in rebuilding its reputation in the last year, and “we’re now seen from an international perspective as being on the right track and heading in the right direction”.
Mr Kenny said Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton was in the United States with IDA officials talking to at least 20 companies that were considering investing in Europe.
“The package that Ireland offers in terms of tax, talent, technology and track record is virtually unbeatable and for that reason this country offers an unique opportunity for investment.”
Asked if multinationals had said to him directly that a No vote would see them pull out of Ireland or cancel planned investment here, Mr Kenny: “Multinationals have said to me they’ll wait to see what the outcome of the referendum will be and that’s why a Yes vote reinforces the confidence people have in investing here.”
