Ireland must remain at heart of EU, says Chambers Chief

Ireland must remain at the heart of the EU in order to secure its economic future. That was the key message to come from today’s Chambers Ireland event in Dublin entitled ‘Making the EU Work for Irish Business’.

Speaking at the event, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland and Deputy President of Eurochambres said: “Our event today highlights the many ways in which Irish business benefits from our membership of the EU. The upcoming British referendum on EU membership has generated much misinformation and many inaccuracies from the ‘Leave’ campaign as to burdensome rules and regulations arising from EU membership. We can often be quick to forget the huge benefits of membership of the single market and the EU. These benefits were hard won and have allowed Ireland to compete on a global stage economically.”

We recognise that some reforms are needed, however we strongly believe that Ireland’s economic future can only be secured by continuing to remain at the heart of a strong Europe. Our priority is to ensure that European legislation and regulation works for businesses of all sizes. Ireland must work within Europe to encourage and strive for an EU that supports a business friendly environment that drives growth, job creation, innovation and investment across all member states.”

Speakers at the event, which took place at the Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, included Ben Butters, Policy Director of Eurochambres; Noelle O’Connell, Executive Director, European Movement Ireland; Dr John O’Brennan, Jean Monnet Professor, National University of Ireland Maynooth; Graham Stull, EU Representation in Ireland and Lucinda Creighton, Party Leader, Renua.