Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We can do that. If leaders of the parties request an interim update on some aspect, we will also supply them with that.

Deputy Paul Murphy raised the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, about which Deputy Micheál Martin spoke very clearly. I am not sure what we, as a trading nation, are afraid of in respect of having agreements that provide trade and job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of our people. I do not know if the Deputy has been around the country but he should visit many of the smaller firms all over Ireland to see what they are doing and where they are exporting. He should not be afraid of that.

CETA was signed on Sunday, 30 October 2016. The European Parliament must give its consent before the agreement can be provisionally applied. I strongly support CETA and the Government strongly supported its provisional application. We are of the view that there should be no impediment to Irish companies taking immediate advantage of the provisions of CETA which are of EU competence, including the all-important chapters in the programme on public procurement rules and tariffs. We very much welcome the clarity afforded in the joint interpretative declaration on issues which were the subject of some disquiet and speculation. This provides further assurances in respect of public services, labour and environmental rights and the investment courts system. These areas have been the subject of much public debate.

In addition, the investment protection and investment dispute settlement mechanisms have been specifically carved out from provisional application. This means these provisions will not come into effect until voted for by the Dáil. Provisional application is a standard process in free trade agreements, which provides for the coming into effect of those areas over which the European Union has competence. The full entering into force of CETA will be subject to the approval of all member states through the relevant national ratification procedures. This means the Dáil will be part of the final decision to ratify CETA in accordance with Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution.

CETA will save on duty costs, as 99.9% of all industrial tariffs will be eliminated on it entering into force. It will open up new markets and opportunities for many Irish firms and end limitations in access to public contracts. It will open up services markets and offer predictable conditions for investors. Irish firms will benefit from the recognition of products standards and certification, thus saving on the double testing on each country on both sides of the Atlantic.

The agreement has been publicly available online in all languages since 5 July.

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