Ms Suzanne Drisdelle:

To add to Mr. Collenette's comments, the Embassy of Canada and the Government of Canada believe firmly that this is a good deal for Ireland, and I would like to reiterate that. We have a very positive collaborative historical relationship. In terms of what my colleagues said earlier, the ratification process is really a matter for each member state of the European Union and we fully respect the democratic process and the consultations, such as we are having today, that must happen for that. We are very confident this is a good deal for Ireland.

With regard to the Deputy's question on why the ICS was not part of some other trade agreements, every trade agreement is based on each party's interests and, in this case, Canada agreed with the European Union's request to modernise the investor dispute platform within CETA. This is not always the case with other partners and conditions are quite different in other situations. This is a new, innovative approach. CETA does set a precedent. It is a gold star free trade agreement that encompasses more than just trade.

I reiterate that I have no concerns, and Canada has no concerns, that this will be damaging to Ireland, its democratic process, the rights of its citizens or the right of the State to regulate in its own interest.