Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

8. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if, considering the fact that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, is ranked as a mixed agreement, Dáil Éireann will have an opportunity to debate and vote on the issue; when this will happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32940/16]

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This question will not come as a surprise to the Minister as I have asked it of her on a number of occasions. It is about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, between the EU and Canada. Will the Minister confirm when the Dáil will have an opportunity to debate this and when we can vote on the issue?

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Given the position taken by Ireland and other member states, the European Commission amended its position and has submitted CETA to the Council for decision as a mixed agreement. This means that it will require both EU and individual member states' ratification. However, following a decision by the Council with the consent of the Parliament, it will be possible to provisionally apply CETA.

Provisional application is a standard process in free trade agreements which provides for the coming into effect of those areas over which the EU has competence. Provisional application will not apply to those areas over which member states have competence. Furthermore, provisions in CETA relating to investment protection and investment dispute resolution will be excluded from provisional application. Accordingly, the Government supported provisional application as we are keen to see Irish firms enjoy tariff-free benefits and new business opportunities as soon as possible.

The issue of growing exports in other markets such as Canada is made even more important by the result of the UK referendum on its membership of the EU.

The full entering into force of CETA will be subject to the conclusion by the EU, through a Council decision with the consent of the European Parliament, and by all member states through the relevant national ratification procedures. This means that there will be a debate and vote on CETA in the Dáil in order to ratify the agreement.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I asked this question a number of times and the Minister has not given me an answer. When can we have a debate on this agreement? I note she said this House will have a vote on it but in the meantime we could have a debate on it. I request that she arranges that. She might indicate specifically when the House will get an opportunity to debate this issue. As elected representatives, we are entitled to debate this issue. That is why we are asking the Government not to sign to sign up to this agreement until we have had discussion on it and a full vote on it in the House. I believe, as do thousands of Irish people - millions of people have signed a petition opposing CETA as they have concerns about it and the Seanad is also opposed to it - that this is a bad deal for Irish workers, consumers and farmers. It is a bad deal for democracy. It undermines the Irish judicial system and the Government should strongly oppose it. The least that should happen is that we should have a full debate on it in this House and a vote on it when it comes back form the Commission. The Minister might indicate a date when we will have a debate on it.

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

CETA will create sizeable new market access opportunities. We have spent the last hour talking about Brexit. It will present opportunities for our farmers. Meat Industry Ireland has written to me in support of CETA. Ireland has strong protections for our beef industry. It is important we make sure that Irish companies can avail of the Canadian market in the context of CETA. The Taoiseach indicated in the House yesterday that a debate on CETA will take place. I want to see the benefits of this agreement come into being so that we can have a fully informed debate based on real facts and evidence. We have an EU agreement with South Korea which has led to a 25% increase in Irish exports. That is real evidence that trade agreements work for Irish exporters and Irish jobs.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I just want to know when we will debate this issue. We have been raising this issue and the House needs to debate it. I have spoken to farm organisations and many of them have huge concerns about the deal. It is best that we debate it in this Chamber.

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach indicated in the House yesterday that a debate on CETA will take place.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A debate on it must take place.

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy probably needs to talk to the Chief Whip about it.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is a mixed agreement and it needs to be debated in the Dáil.

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It will be.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am asking when it will be debated.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That concludes Question No. 8.

I want to clarify that Questions Nos. 9, 20, 27 and 28 appear on the Questions Paper in the name of Deputy Brendan Ryan but that is an error. They should appear in the name of Deputy Alan Kelly. I call Deputy Kelly to introduce Question No. 9.