Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I jest.

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. While it is for the American people to choose their leaders and set their policies, countries are fully entitled to comment on possible developments that could impact on bilateral relations. Other governments have indicated they will not accept any attempt to impose a religion based exclusion on travel for their citizens. Will the Taoiseach follow this example? Will he confirm that Ireland will fight against any attempt to discriminate against citizens based on their religion? I am referring to comments made by Mr. Donald Trump in the US election campaign. Will he also confirm that any attempt to introduce discrimination of this nature will be viewed as a clear breach of bilateral agreements and international law and that no figure, irrespective of how powerful his or her position, would be welcome to Ireland if he or she were to attempt to implement such a policy? Will he confirm that he will not host Mr. Trump if he asks to visit Ireland as part of an attempt to moderate his image in the coming months? This is an important point given what has been taking place.

I am not sure whether the Taoiseach indicated whether he discussed the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, with the political leaders he met in Washington. TTIP is one of the key bilateral issues between Europe and the United States and is important for Ireland, as a member of the European Union. As with all international negotiations, the conspiracy theorists of the extreme left and right are hyperactive regarding TTIP, claiming the negotiations are about to herald an apocalypse. Sinn Féin and others in the House have committed to seeking Ireland's exit from the European Union if TTIP is not passed by a referendum. The Right2Change manifesto advocates an Irish exit from the European Union should there be no referendum on TTIP. In setting aside the scare stories, we must also accept that many groups have legitimate concerns that need to be addressed. The timetable of reaching an agreement by the end of the year appears to be impossible if the promised consultations are to continue. Will the Taoiseach outline what he is being advised by the European affairs division in his Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in terms of the likelihood of TTIP reaching a conclusion? What is his perspective on the issue?

While the publication online of most position papers in the negotiations is a welcome development, too much detail remains unclear. Notwithstanding the independent review of the implications for Europe as a whole, no country specific review has been undertaken. Before we vote on any agreement, I ask the Taoiseach to provide an assurance that a rigorous independent study on the implications of TTIP for Ireland will be prepared? Will he commit to commissioning such a report as it would be important in informing the debate, which has been proceeding on an ad hoc and a continuing basis for some time?

Ireland, as an open trading nation that exports most of what it produces, is in favour of trade. On the other hand, serious issues arise regarding investor legal agreements in terms of suing sovereign governments. This is an issue of genuine concern on which people need assurance.

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