English
Publication of the European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012
 
The Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael Noonan T.D. has published today (8th May 2012) the European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012. The Government is publishing this Bill today as part of the commitment to ensure that the Irish people are fully informed in casting their votes on the Stability Treaty. This comprehensive information campaign has also seen the full Treaty and associated guide sent to every household in the country. 
 
Commenting on the publication, Minister Noonan stated:
 
“The European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012, which is published today on the Department of Finance website, outlines the legislation that underpins Ireland’s ratification of the European Stability Mechanism. 
 
The Government is actively campaigning for a Yes vote in the Stability Treaty on the 31st of May to ensure stability, confidence and security and access to the ESM is a key element of the Referendum on the Stability Treaty. A Yes Vote to the Stability Treaty guarantees Ireland’s ability to access the ESM. In the absence of market based financing, having the ability to access the ESM will be essential in order to, for example, fund our public services including pensions, social welfare, education and health services in the future.” 
 
Minister Noonan set out a number of the key facts in relation to the ESM:
 
“The Establishment of the ESM will be of great importance to Ireland as an insurance policy and safety net.

The ESM will come into force when the ESM treaty has been ratified by euro Member States representing 90% of the fund capital commitment. Ireland cannot veto the ESM as Ireland represents 1.59% of the capital. 
 
Ireland’scontribution as set out in the ESM treaty published on 2nd of February 2012 will be 1.59% of the total €80 billion, amounting to a total of €1.27 billion over 3 years. This contribution will be made in five equal tranches commencing in July and October 2012.
 
This capital contribution to the fund is fully factored into the latest budgetary forecasts as set out in the Stability Programme Update published by Department of Finance on the 27th of April and the contribution will not impact on our General Government Deficit target of 8.6% in 2012.”
 
Minister Noonan concluded by stating:

“Having the ability to access to the ESM is essential to Ireland’s return to the markets. It will serve as a backstop or in a worst case scenario, ESM funds will be available to provide essential public services, including pensions, social welfare, education and health services in the future.

A Yes Vote is a vote for a safer and more secure future for Ireland and our public services.”

8th May 2012
 
Ends
 
 
 
Notes for Editors

Link to 30th of March Statement
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/129381.pdf

Link to ESM treaty press release with link to treaty
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/128049.pdf

Link to Stability Programme Update
http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/publications/other/spuapr2012.pdf
 
Link to ESM ACT
 
 


 
 
  
 
 

 


 
Users who read this document also viewed
27 July 1998Freedom of Information
03 April 2013End-March 2013 Exchequer Statement
12 March 2013Mercer Review of Remuneration Practices and Frameworks at the Covered Institutions
03 January 2013 END-DECEMBER 2012 EXCHEQUER RETURNS Good Exchequer Performance: Taxes Up; Spending on Target  The Minister for Finance,...
01 October 2003Enquiry Form