Cregan moves to allay fears arising from ‘scaremongers’

TAX rates and inward investment strategies, which effect Limerick people and the rest of the Irish population will not be affected under the proposed EU Lisbon Reform Treaty, despite contrary claims, according to Limerick TD, John Cregan.

The Limerick West Fianna Fail Deputy said that opponents of the treaty trying to claim that it will affect Ireland’s corporation tax regime and inward investment strategies are “simply scaremongering”.

He added that the public should reflect on the fact that, according to Deputy Cregan, all the main Irish political parties and business groups such as IBEC, the IDA, American multi-nationals located in Ireland, the chambers of commerce in Dublin and in Cork have all called for a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty.

“None of these groups would call for a ‘Yes’ vote if they thought for one moment that this treaty would affect our corporation tax rate into the future. The Irish corporation tax rate of 12.5% has played a vital and a pivotal role in helping economic growth in our country,” he said.

“The ratification of this treaty is very positive from an Irish economic viewpoint. It sends out a re-sounding signal to companies and to investors around the world that Ireland is a leading and respected member of the EU that is centrally involved in European Union policy making,” Deputy Cregan said.

Public opinion to be sought on National Drugs Strategy

Members of the public in Limerick will have an opportunity to have their opinions heard on what Ireland's new National Drugs Strategy should include at a public consultation meeting in the Greenhills Hotel in Limerick on Monday, May 19.

The meeting will be attended by Minister of State with Responsibility for Drugs Strategy, Pat Carey and is scheduled to commence at 7pm.