Ms Patricia King:

If this is not going to happen towards the end of the year and will be delayed, it would be extremely useful for all concerned to take time out to examine the impact on the various areas. People do not work up these fears for nothing. They are very real. That message was sent loudly and clearly in the European Parliament yesterday. Apart from the ISDS, to which we are implacably opposed, the impacts on the Irish economy and on jobs require far more in-depth examination. The Copenhagen report did not do that job and therefore it must be expanded. The time should be used.

In addition, the discussions and negotiations on this trade agreement have been marked by secrecy. There must be a great deal more transparency so all the facts can come to the fore and people's fears can be allayed by virtue of what they hear, rather than being worked up based on what they are not hearing.

As such, there is a job of work to be done to get to that place.