Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have to leave in about 20 minutes but hopefully I will be able to hear the answers before then. I noted that Mr. Sherry mentioned that Enterprise Ireland clients support around 16% of the total workforce here in Ireland. Although we know employment is increasing, there are concerns that this increase is not happening at the sort of wages or salaries that allow people to live with dignity. We have had a lot of debate about zero-hour contracts etc. My first question, therefore, concerns that 16%.

My second question is about the overseas markets. Recently, I chaired the launch of a report Trócaire had commissioned, Where aid meets trade. We have had various debates about "aid for trade", discussion of which seems to be gathering momentum. If aid is going into a developing country, situations can arise where there has to be a corresponding pay-off for the donor country. There are serious concerns around human rights, due diligence and tax issues. I had questions with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade last week, and he certainly seemed supportive that our trade missions would have to involve ethical engagement.

Irish companies going into other countries should be aware of the labour laws and social laws in those countries. Not one Irish company has been convicted of corruption, even though there have been cases, yet they could be charged in this country because of legislation we have. Such matters particularly concern women in the developing world. We know they are the worst off when it comes to working conditions. There are also serious concerns around Qatar and what is happening there. There are frightening statistics of the number of workers who may suffer injuries and fatalities before a ball is kicked in the World Cup and there are Irish companies working there. I know the Chairman was there recently and I was asking him whether he had addressed these issues. He said there was some open and frank discussion.

Are there any concerns about the ongoing discussions regarding the transatlantic trade and investment partnership?