Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister referred to the computable general equilibrium, CGE, model. This trade model assumes full employment and neutral income distribution in all countries, which clearly is an unrealistic assumption. It excludes any of the major and already proven risks of deeper liberalisation. The Tufts University paper argues that, by their design, the studies which use the single same CGE model do not form a reliable basis for assessing the CETA and its projected impacts. Is the Minister interested in a realistic and intellectually diverse approach to the CETA? The Government appears to have shut down any alternative or dissenting opinion on the CETA. I note that there is no reference to the CETA or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, in the programme for Government, which is amazing, given the implications of the two trade agreements for the people of Ireland. There is huge public concern about them. People are very concerned about the implications they might have for their lifestyles.

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