Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

If we wish to examine history, rather than future projections, to assess the effects of the so-called trade agreements on employment and trade, we should look at the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, with which the CETA has much in common. I will outline some of its results. The North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement led to a staggering US trade deficit of $181 billion with NAFTA partners Mexico and Canada, a net loss of 1 million US jobs, growing income inequality, the displacement of more than 1 million Mexican farmers and a doubling of the level of desperate emigration to the United States from Mexico. An estimated $360 million has been paid to corporations after investor state tribunal attacks on US domestic public interest policies. There is little doubt that Ireland agreeing to the CETA or the TTIP will lead to greater rights and privileges for large corporations and will be to the detriment of small and medium-sized businesses in Ireland. We will not be able to withstand the money these corporations can throw at problems and dispute mechanisms.

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