Intel has told its Irish employees to vote for the Lisbon Treaty which strengthens the centralising power of the EC when the Treaty comes up for its second Irish vote in October. Last year, when the Irish last voted on the Treaty, they voted 'No'.
"Last year, like many others I stood back and did not speak up on this crucial issue for the country. I was convinced, to be honest, that a Yes vote was a foregone conclusion," said Jim O'Hara, general manager of Intel Ireland, "this time, Intel Corporation's management is supporting our Irish management team as we make our views clear that it is important for the country, and for multinational companies within the country, that Ireland remains a player at the heart of Europe. In addition to being a matter of corporate social responsibility, it's also a matter of my strong personal conviction."
Intel's advice comes a month after the company mothballed one of its Irish fabs and laid off 294 people. In February, 200 Intel staff took voluntary redundancy. The redundancies reduce Intel's Irish workforce to 4,200 people from a peak of over 5,000. The EC refused to allow grant aid by the Irish government to Intel's last expansion in Ireland which was started in 2005.
See also: Electronics Weekly's focus on Intel
O'Hara said that a yes vote would signal Ireland's commitment to the EU. "If, for the third time in less than 10 years, we reject a EU treaty, we must realise that this will create uncertainty in the minds of investors worldwide who are looking at Ireland as a gateway for Greenfield investment into the EU," said O'Hara, "since Ireland voted to support the single European market, international investment has grown immensely. Ireland has become an important destination for inward investment into Europe." This has happened for many reasons - an English-speaking, well-educated workforce, low corporate tax rate and pro-business Government policies.
O'Hara added: "More importantly it has happened because of Ireland's connectedness to Europe, along with free access to vast EU markets, and our country's ability to punch above its weight in influencing European affairs as a result of having a solid reputation as a committed team player."
"As one of the biggest employers and one of the largest multinational investors in this country, Intel often engages in discussions of national importance and of importance to the competitiveness of industry," said O'Hara , "on this vital issue - Ireland's full engagement with the EU - the decision lies with the Irish people. "We are convinced that for future growth and innovation, Ireland needs to stay fully connected to Europe."