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

My belief, which is shared by other European Union governments and the European Parliament, is that leverage will be achieved by operating this agreement to deliver the changes rather than refusing to ratify the agreement and sitting on our hands. The agreement provides respect for democratic principles and human rights as I outlined. It also includes public participation in these matters. A meeting between the EU and civil society took place earlier this year to open dialogue with citizens and other NGOs to examine how the sustainable development provisions are being implemented. This was the first open meeting of the sub-committee on trade and sustainable development established under article 15 of the agreement. The sub-committee will report back on progress and this provides a tool with regard to whether the agreement progresses.

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