I support the Amsterdam Treaty because it represents a discernible and positive step towards deeper European integration. While the treaty may not be as fundamentally important as the Maastricht Treaty or the Single European Act, it certainly moves the EU agenda forward in some important respects.
If - as I do - you believe that Ireland will benefit in an increasingly more integrated Europe, then it can only make sense to vote Yes. The only coherent opposition to a Yes vote can be from those who wish to roll back this tide. To my mind, the consequences of such a reversal of Ireland's long-term national policy are too appalling to contemplate.
While this next step forward towards European integration has no one, big, exciting New Idea, it does include a number of valuable provisions.
The new Title on Employment is such a major innovation. While treaty language will not create jobs, the EU is seeking to to facilitate a common approach across Europe to this most critical issue. With some 18 million people unemployed in the EU, action is overdue. The Amsterdam Treaty sets out enabling provisions that will in time make an appreciable impact on what needs to be done in Ireland. Action is envisaged on a number of fronts. For example, additional resources will be applied to help youth unemployment. An entrepreneurial culture will be fostered. Small firms will be assisted, especially in start-up situations.
Skills' needs, education and training will all get a higher profile and matching resources. The treaty's aspirations on employment are, in effect, being delivered well in advance of its formal ratification.
There is an extension of the EU's powers in the area of social policy. IBEC is particularly pleased that the UK's optout on social policy will be ended. Again in anticipation of the formal ratification of the treaty, the UK government has adopted the relevant directives, which up to now it did not have to implement. Included is the controversial Directive on European Works Councils. We now have a level playing field in this most sensitive area for Irish employers. We are also pleased that the social partners will continue to be consulted about all proposals in social policy and that we will have the option to negotiate agreements at EU level if this suits.
Improving competitiveness at national and at company level is a continuous challenge. While the Amsterdam Treaty will not provide instant solutions - it is not the nature of a constitutional document to go into specifics - the fact that "competitiveness" is identified in the treaty as a core task of the EU is to be welcomed. IBEC lobbied vigorously on this issue during the negotiations.
EU action on sustainable development and environmental protection will be given a significant boost as the Amsterdam Treaty expands the Community's competence in this domain. Irish enterprises are extremely conscious of the need to respect the environment, and simply look for a balanced approach in this crucial area. (I find it somewhat odd that the environmental interest groups which oppose the treaty are also, in effect, rejecting the proposed expansion of the EU's influence in relation to the environment.)
These new directions on policy and the promise that the Union will bring forward sensible, relevant and balanced legislation are issues that are at the core of IBEC's agenda.
A careful reading of the treaty will also reveal that the Union is seeking to adapt its working methods and policies to best reflect what its citizens want. The Union is conscious of its pivotal position in the global economy. This will become very clear over time, as the single currency is destined to become a world currency reserve and as Europe enlarges eastwards. The EU needs a democratic mandate so that is can exercise such leadership.
The Amsterdam Treaty will provide the foundations for the Union to position itself in the world economy. No doubt further constitutional change will be needed at EU level. The EU, like any other business, must adapt and respond to the new environment it faces.
The tangible benefits that have resulted since we joined the Common Market in 1973, in terms of jobs, inward investment and prosperity, would be seriously jeopardised if Ireland rejected the treaty. Therefore, it is inconceivable to my mind that the electorate would do anything other than support the treaty.
John Dunne is director general of the business and employers' confederation, IBEC.