Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister and his officials. Negotiations to make trade agreements more open will only work if they are mutually beneficial. I think we accept that. If one reflects on when Ireland joined the then EEC in 1973 and one compares the landscape then and now, we benefited from the removal of tariffs, not only in trading with member states but also with our largest trading neighbour, the United Kingdom.

We should look at this as an opportunity with significant challenges as opposed to a threat. It is a relief that it will not necessitate a referendum, but ultimately the member states will make a decision. It is important we have a process whereby Oireachtas Members are kept briefed. We are waiting for round ten of the negotiations. In the European Parliament building last month, when the question was posed on the number of rounds in the negotiations, no one would give an answer. That is just to get the agreement ratified in order that the Council can sign off on it before it goes through legal scrubbing and other things in the meantime.