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

These claims are simply untrue. The right to profit will not take precedence over the right to regulate, something both negotiators have recognised plainly. They have set that out not only in a joint statement, but in the mandate under which the EU is negotiating. It has been stitched into many of the documents to ensure it is respected through the procedure.

Government retains the right to regulate. There are great opportunities for trade. Ireland is three times more involved in trade with the USA than any other member state. The potential gain for Ireland is very significant. There could be a potential boost of €2 billion to GDP if there is a successful reduction in trade barriers. It will be particularly beneficial for small companies as it has been shown that trade barriers are the greatest obstacle for small companies which wish to trade in US.

There are also opportunities for very innovative Irish companies to bring technologies into the US public procurement area. There are significant opportunities for Ireland. Of course, any deal would have to be voted on at the end but this is a balanced negotiation, which is going well.

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