Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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This has been most interesting. I am pleased the witnesses have come in here. The debate is very useful. My concern is that the sounds I hear are very negative, instead of the witnesses saying let us find the best way out and temper and adjust it in order to do so. There are so many people starving in the world, yet I hear people say "No" to genetically modified organisms and fracking, instead of saying let us find a way to make this work for the benefit of the all the people of the world.

Our objective, and Trócaire’s objective, is to end poverty. That is everybody's objective. Let us make sure we find a way to do that but most of what I hear is people saying stop this, control it so that it does not develop. History has shown we can solve problems. Mr. Finnegan, I think, said how Europe has done very well and set very high standards. We can set those standards but we will not do so unless we open our eyes to the opportunities. I believe the TTIP gives us a chance to do that, to expand our horizons and do a large amount in many different ways.

In the 1700s when the Luddites said the shoe factories were a disgrace because they would put the shoemakers out of business they won a great deal of attention. Eventually, the shoe factories did come in and solve the problem.

Those who are saying we should put a stop to this or not proceed with it are actually like those shoemakers in the 18th century who said we should not change. I am of the view that we should be looking in a different direction. Mr. Bradley has certainly looked in a different direction. There is little doubt tobacco is outrageous and whatever steps have to be taken to ensure we control tobacco, they must be taken. However, I do not see that as part of TTIP. We must find a solution but we have to do it by starting in a positive rather than a negative way.