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

With regard to Donald Trump, the Taoiseach cannot predict who will win the next US presidential election and I accept this, but we can stand up for basic principles and we need to annunciate basic principles. What has been articulated in the US election is worrying. It is not acceptable for democrats to speak in the way Donald Trump has about various religions and ethnic groups and about building walls. It sets an appalling example for how the free world should speak and articulate its views.

Politicians must speak clearly about these matters.

I asked the Taoiseach would he commission a report on the implications of TTIP for this country, that is, a country-specific report. The Taoiseach's reply was that when the final proposal emerged he would then commission an analysis, but it is important to do so now because that would inform the negotiating position. It would inform the House on any debate that might transpire on the issues on which we should be holding the line. Food is very important and beef is extremely important.

Food security is a vital geopolitical issue for Europe. It is not so long ago that Peter Mandelson was in charge of the European Commission and was prepared to barter away European food security on an agreement similar to TTIP. His attitude was that Europe did not need to be involved in beef production and that South America would feed the world. It is extremely important-----

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