Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O Cuív has said the economic situation currently facing Galway and the country reinforces the importance of Ireland staying at the heart of Europe.

"The huge growth in jobs and resources which Ireland achieved over the last decade was simply impossible without our membership of the European Union. Europe invested in our future but also opened up huge opportunities for companies based here. Challenges such as globalisation are having a real impact on Galway companies. The only real way that we can meet these challenges is to work with the EU, not against it," said Minister O Cuív.

"We cannot expect a Union whose rules were designed in a pre-internet age to be able to be able to cope with all of the changes in today's world. The entire purpose of the Lisbon Treaty is to reform the way the EU does its business so that it is more efficient and effective. This is in the interest of Ireland and in the interests of Europe as a whole.

"This is a point recognised by every significant organisation representing Irish businesses. Ireland has always taken a positive attitude to Europe and hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created as a result. There is no conceivable economic benefit to be got from turning against Europe on 12 June, but there is every reason to see that a Yes vote is a vote for protecting jobs and the economy," concluded Minister O Cuív.

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