Paschal meets with Microsoft to understand effect of Lisbon Treaty Vote

20th October, 2008

Microsoft Ireland Chief to be Questioned

on Impact of Rejection of Lisbon Treaty on Irish Business and Economic Sector – 20th October 2008

Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland, Mr Paul Rellis will be among the witnesses appearing before the Oireachtas Sub-committee on Ireland’s Future in the EU tomorrow morning at 10 am in Committee Room 4.

The Committee will be questioning Mr Rellis regarding what, if any, implications there have been for businesses in Ireland following the result of the Lisbon referendum and if there have been repercussions for Irish business in the European context.

Chair of the Sub Committee, Senator Paschal 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.”

The Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Ireland’s Future in Europe is beginning its second week of deliberations and is examining “Challenges Facing Ireland and Implications of the Lisbon Treaty Result.”

The committee proceedings continue be webcast live at:

http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/EUAffairs.htm

Over the next two days the following witnesses will appear before the Committee:

Tuesday 20th October

10am- 12:00pm

Mr Paul Rellis, Microsoft Ireland: Impact on business and the economy and Irish Business abroad

2:00pm-4:00pm

European Affairs Committee of the Folketing (Danish Parliament): EU Opt Outs and EU Scrutiny System.

Wednesday 21st October

9:30am -10:30am

German Parliamentary Delegation: The role of national parliaments in EU and the Scrutiny system in the Bundestag

10:30:12:30

Ms Catherine Day, Secretary General, European Commission: The economic and political context since the Lisbon Treaty referendum

2:00pm-4:00pm

Minister Dick Roche, TD, Minister for European Affairs: Transposition of EU Law

There will also be a link to the Webcasting feeds on the Sub Committee’s homepage http://www.euaffairs.ie/