Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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231. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the up-to-date position regarding the free trade agreement between the EU and Australia. [46481/23]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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FTA negotiations between the EU and Australia were launched in July 2018 and significant progress has been achieved to date, though the agreement has yet to be formally concluded by the parties.

Ireland is fully supportive of the aim of achieving a comprehensive and balanced FTA with Australia as soon as possible, as we look to diversify our supply chains, including for critical raw materials, and open up export markets for Irish companies.

The FTA covers areas that are the exclusive competence of the EU and does not include measures on investment protection or portfolio investment.

Discussions are nearing conclusion with the intention of both parties to reach a balanced agreement in the coming months.