Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Schlegelmilch and Mr. Brown for their clear and precise presentations. In the context of what they said about where we are with regard to the pandemic and the role of trade in bringing about global economic recovery, I would not like the Irish Parliament to do anything to contribute to uncertainty at this time. In 2012, for example, during a referendum campaign on the thirtieth amendment to the Constitution to permit Ireland to ratify the fiscal compact, it was a time of great uncertainty following the financial crash and the Irish people voted in favour on the first attempt. It showed that economic uncertainty is a worry for everyone. I agree with what our guests said regarding the role of trade going forward. I take on board also the point they made about how the investment court system is a reform of the ad hoc system of private arbitration of the ISDS, and that is welcome.

Our guests may have answered one of the questions I had intended to ask, or at least made reference to it. How is CETA operating at the moment, with particular reference to the joint committee, sub-committees and various forums established under CETA? Could our guests expand on how they are functioning? Will there be a formal role for national parliaments in monitoring CETA and the implementation of all its elements?

It was stated that CETA is an important stepping stone to a multilateral investment court. What is the status of that proposal? Why is such a court important and how would it function?