Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Ireland and Canada enjoy a strong relationship based on a common history and a shared commitment to democracy, human rights and a rules-based international order. I am pleased to say there have been a number of positive developments in this relationship in recent months, including the visit by the Taoiseach to meet with Prime Minister Carney in Ottawa last month. Both reaffirmed the enduring friendship between our two countries, our commitment to deepening economic ties and the importance of Ireland’s full ratification of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement by 2026. This is very important. It will be interesting to see, but I hope all Members across this House support the passage of this deal. It is very important, not just for the deal in and of itself but also for the message it sends out about this country and the values we have in relation to trade. If we cannot do free trade with Canada, what better nation could be find to do free trade with?

In August, I had the opportunity to speak with the new Canadian Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, on a number of international issues and trade relations, including the Government’s commitment to ratifying CETA. As the Deputy will know, CETA has already been provisionally applied by the EU and Canada since September 2017 and has contributed to a significant increase in Ireland’s bilateral trade in goods and services with Canada. That trade increased from about €3.2 billion in 2016 to more than €10 billion in 2023. My Department is continuing to work with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and legal advisers on the drafting of the arbitration (amendment) Bill 2025. I expect to be in a position to publish the Bill in the coming weeks.

A new report on deepening trade and investment between Ireland and Canada shows that Ireland is now the tenth largest investor in Canada, and Canadian investment in Ireland is up 131% since 2016. The Minister, Deputy Burke, will lead a trade mission to Canada next month to further develop these economic opportunities.

Of course, the relationship is not just trade. Supporting the Irish diaspora in Canada and promoting Irish cultural links continue to be priorities for the Government. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, emphasised this in his meetings with a number of diaspora organisations during his visit to Toronto last month. A landmark cultural initiative, Canada-Ireland 180, will be held in 2027 to mark 180 years since the Famine migration of 1847.

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