Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of whether any trade agreement can have an impact on some regions more than others is undoubtedly true. The reason countries seek to get involved in open trade is that on balance, they make gains. There is a possibility that some regions might be adversely affected. For example, if freer trade is opened up in motor cars and a country has a strong motor car industry, there is the possibility that such an industry will be affected if it has had high protection. Equally, that is balanced by the opportunities opened up for other businesses.

Free trade has winners and losers, but it has always been the reality that free trade opens up more opportunities and enhances wealth and job opportunities over time.

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