Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a good thing that CETA was discussed by the Taoiseach and the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Trudeau, in August but it is a great pity that the CETA deal has not been debated in the Dáil. The Taoiseach must be well aware of the concern among farmers, workers and small and medium-sized indigenous companies over the implications of the CETA deal, which has been provisionally in force since 21 September. Sinn Féin has repeatedly expressed concerns over the negative impact it could have and on the unconstitutionality of the investment court system included in it. The European Court of Justice has been absolutely clear in its pronouncements that this deal must be ratified by all EU parliaments before it can come into force. That has been sidestepped and that is worrying. It is a departure from the democratic norm and it is reprehensible for a deal of this magnitude to come into force without even a debate in the Dáil, let alone a vote. It is a case of implementing legislation first and debating it later. Will the Government agree to a date for CETA to be debated and voted on in this House?

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