Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O'Sullivan for his detailed paper and opening remarks.

As Deputy Howlin said, concerns are being raised in our offices. There seems to be a belief that we do not need to ratify this final part of the agreement and that we can somehow pause it indefinitely. What are Mr. O'Sullivan's thoughts on that and whether that is an accurate summation? Is it a bit misleading?

There is also a belief that somehow CETA can be amended. Is that feasible, realistic and practical? Mr. O'Sullivan in a way is doing down his own role and experience in this. Going back ten years when this was thrashed out, where were the notable wins within CETA for the European Union? One would not expect confrontations with Canada as it is a good country with which to have a trade agreement. Within that discussion, this is important for other trade deals currently being negotiated or in the process of being ratified. Where were the notable wins within the European Union for Ireland? How hard were they to come by and what was the impact?

If we pause this process, reject it or send it back to the courts, what does it say for future trade deals? What does it say to the Australian or the New Zealand Governments? What does it say to Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, which seek trade deals and trade partnerships with the European Union, when a good and solid trade deal, which was hard fought, falls at the final hurdle? Is it possible to get good next-generation trade deals going forward?

If Ireland were to somehow put the kibosh on this deal, what does that say about Ireland within the EU, considering the difficult period we have had with Brexit and the absolute European solidarity shown on that, as well as the far more difficult conversations that will be needed on other trade deals? What about the strong concerns that the Irish Farmers Association and many others have about possible deals? Where does that leave us?