Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Finance if the impact of the Fiscal Compact Treaty on trade across the EU has been accessed or discussed at EU level; if there is a fear that trade activity will decrease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16222/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The overall objective of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union is to support economic growth by ensuring the sustainable evolution of public finances in Member States over time. Article 1 of the Treaty, for instance, states that a key objective of the fiscal compact is to support the achievement of the EU's objectives for sustainable growth, employment, competitiveness and social cohesion. So in this sense I see no reason why the level of trade would decrease - if anything, the Treaty could boost trade between Member States over time.