Mr. Mark Redmond:

I thank the Chairman. I will make a few comments which will be followed by a few comments by Mr. Cotter.

I agree with Deputy Crowe's analysis that we need far more debate on these talks. Today's discussion is an important contribution to that debate. We, in the American Chamber of Commerce, are doing our very best to create an awareness of these talks in Ireland. I give credit to the American embassy which has worked with us on a number of events to create awareness. As I said in my remarks, if the agreement is done successfully, it would be particularly good news for consumers and small businesses here.

With regard to the question on the privacy or secrecy of the talks, one must strike a balance. During negotiations one cannot reveal one's cards. Having said that, I would give credit to the efforts made by the European side to be as transparent as possible, and I will give examples. At the last round of negotiations, 700 representatives of trade unions, federations, NGOs and consumer protection agencies were involved. Last February the European Commission established a new advisory group to assist it with the negotiations which comprised 14 representatives from sectors including trade unions, consumers, environmental protection and so on. We think these elements are very important, but we also agree with the Deputy that people do not know enough about these talks. We can all play a role in improving that situation. Let us remember there are 115,000 direct jobs, and the same number of indirect jobs, involved and we all know families who have benefited from this process. Therefore, it is in our interest to have an informed debate on this matter.

The Deputy is right about standards. It is important that our EU negotiators continue to insist, as they have done throughout, that there will be no diminution of standards as part of this process. However, people need to hear that message more.