Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for being here for this debate. It is important that we have this debate. The move prior to Christmas to have the vote following a 55-minute debate was the wrong choice. It is important that we have an opportunity to discuss this issue. As part of that discussion the information needs to be on the table so that the public understand what will be voted on. Members, too, need to have that information to enable us to make a considered determination. I understand that the Tánaiste has the economic report and analysis on the FTAs on Ireland, but there does not appear to be a risk analysis in regard to the ratification of the ICS on social or environmental considerations or a quantification of the likelihood of the chilling effect. That type of analysis would add value to this debate.

On the economic report, I understand a member of the public requested it and that the person was told that it could not be released because it was not in the public interest. That kind of discourse feeds into the suspicion around the investor court system, ICS. I would be interested in hearing the Tánaiste's thoughts on the following matter. At a previous meeting of this committee at which the Chair of the Ireland Canada Business Association was in attendance, I asked where I could find a list of the members represented by the association. He declined to tell me who the lobby group represented. This group has lobbied a number of Members of Parliament, including the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, and he has had meetings with the Minister, Deputy Troy. It would be important that as part of this debate we know what companies are represented by this business association. I was surprised that the Chair of the association declined to give us the information. Is that normal or is it something that would be of concern to the Tánaiste?