Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Some of the experts that we heard from previously gave a considerable list of examples of where this has happened, such as in Romania. A consideration of where the ICS has operated differently from in the previous examples would be useful. In the absence of that type of analysis, we would need to take a precautionary approach on this.

That is because the risks as outlined by many of these experts are so great that we are better off erring on the side of caution. Currently, we benefit from the trade aspects. The signing and ratification only relates to the investment court system. It would be a more risk averse approach to stay with the status quoand not rush into trying to ratify prior to other member states. My thanks to the Tánaiste for his answer.