Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

We cannot underestimate the significance of EU-US partnership, which was clearly damaged throughout the course of the most recent US Administration. That eight-year period saw significant difficulties in the traditionally co-operative EU-US approach to many aspects of foreign affairs. Given our opportunity with the new US Administration, it is essential we get that relationship back on track. Economically, the logic in the arguments is self-evident, in that 60% of global GDP is accounted for by the EU and US economies and 14 million people are employed through transatlantic economic activity. Co-operation is important, not just to the EU and the US, but to the rest of the world.

I do not accept it is a matter for the European Parliament and Congress to decide.

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