Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans for enhancing trade agreements between the EU and other countries and trade blocs during Ireland's presidency of the European Council; if there are specific trade agreements under discussion at the moment, and if so, with whom; the expected benefit from concluding such agreements in the next six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1656/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The EU is of huge significance in terms of global trade and investment. It is the largest exporter and source and recipient of foreign direct investment. Consequently, under Ireland’s Presidency of the EU, we attach great importance to promoting the EU’s external trade agenda. The overarching theme of the Irish Presidency will be the contribution of trade to growth, jobs and economic recovery. If, as is expected, 90% of economic growth by 2015 will occur outside the EU, we have an imperative to capture the impact of this expansion for EU citizens, workers and business. In 2011 Ireland exported €173 billion in goods and services (€136bn to Q3/2012, an increase of 6.18% on the corresponding figure for 2011), while total trade generated by the economy was just over 130% of GNP – one of the highest ratios in the world. This underlines the importance of trade and exports to both economic recovery and job growth in Ireland and across the EU.

Two of the most significant trade agreements that will be progressed during the Irish Presidency involve the transatlantic economy. Free trade negotiations are underway and well advanced with Canada. Subject to the advice of a specialist group it might be possible to move forward with a free trade agreement between the EU and the U.S.

EU – Canada

The importance to the Irish economy is emphasised by the fact that in 2011, total trade between Canada and Ireland was €2.2 billion. In addition, merchandise exports to November 2012 were €740m, representing an increase of 32% over the corresponding figure for 2011. The EU-Canada Comprehensive Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations are nearing a conclusion. Throughout the negotiations I have consistently emphasised to the EU Ireland’s primary objectives in any trade agreement with Canada. These include both offers and requests to Canada in the agriculture sector, especially the beef sector, as well as other important areas such as intellectual property, investment, services and public procurement.

EU-US

Discussions are underway about the possibility of opening free trade talks with the U.S. Ireland’s EU Presidency will prioritise these discussions and encourage other Member States to give the Commission a negotiating mandate to start talks.

Improving EU-U.S. trade and investment arrangements in as many ambitious areas as possible, including services and regulatory alignment would be an exciting and worthwhile project from which Ireland stands to benefit significantly. The transatlantic economy generates $5 trillion in total commercial sales a year and employs up to 15 million workers. It is the largest and wealthiest market in the world, accounting for three-quarters of global financial markets and over half of world trade and world GDP.

Other Free Trade Agreements

We will also seek to achieve further progress across a range of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) currently under negotiation including with India, Malaysia and Vietnam. The trade aspect of an agreement with Singapore has been finalised and we look to advance the agreement’s investment chapter during our Presidency so that the whole trade agreement can be finalised as soon as possible.

We are also seeking to make important progress on FTAs with fast growing markets in Asia such as Vietnam and Malaysia as well as with the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood (Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and Armenia). Talks on these are at various stages of maturity.

Trade talks that have yet to start include those with Japan and Morocco, the latter economy being part of the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood. These are expected to commence shortly and very likely during the Irish Presidency. A trade agreement with Japan would be especially attractive for our exporters as that economy is both prosperous and technologically advanced. In other words an attractive market for our high value added and sophisticated exporters.

We are also seeking progress in developing the EU’s trade and investment relationship with China following its change in leadership later this year. This will include preparatory work on a possible investment agreement with market access provisions. Negotiations on this, however, are unlikely to start for some time yet.