Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not agreed. It is astonishing, although typical of the Government, to propose such an inadequate analysis and consideration of what is, perhaps, the largest proposed trade agreement in the world, and that there would be such scant consideration of the very real implications for the State, workers, regulatory standards and workers' rights. There has been some consideration at various committees. The report produced was brief, to be complimentary of it. It is astonishing that this will be the first occasion on which there will be any debate in the Dáil on these matters, although the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, has been raised in various parliamentary questions.

It is astonishing that the Government considers it adequate to give two and a half hours of "debate" on these matters, which will have profound and long-lasting implications for private enterprise and services, public services, environmental standards and workers' rights. It is probably reflective of the Government's general approach to guillotining debates. However, it is very instructive that it seeks to guillotine this particular debate, particularly given that there has not been the kind of cross-committee analysis and consideration that is very necessary in this case.

The report emanating from the Oireachtas is pathetically inadequate compared to the work done in other parliaments. It is not good enough. The issues have not been subject to the kind of public commentary they merit. The issues at stake are fundamental and are very serious for the country and its citizens.

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