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

It is important to recognise that this agreement, even before the negotiating started, guaranteed under its terms that no public service could be interfered with. It guaranteed that there could be no diminution in health, safety or workers' or other rights as a result of the agreement. It provided for protection for many of the things about which people are concerned. Of course, there has been agreement which will open up sectors, so Irish food companies, including those in the Deputy's area, will have opportunities to trade into the Canadian market, which is to be welcomed. The Minister has been very alert to the concerns expressed in this House, and there have been debates on these agreements before Deputy Connolly's time.

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