Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure during the Irish Presidency of the EU that any proposed EU/Canada Trade Deal does not threaten the viability of Irish and EU Agriculture; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an agreement of large tariff-free volumes of Canadian imports would cause significant market damage for Irish exports to the European Union, particularly for the beef and pigmeat sectors; if he will ensure that any moves to liberalise trade for sensitive products including beef and pigmeat are resisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5526/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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A Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada has been under negotiation since 2009. There is a very real prospect that deal could be concluded shortly. This should open up opportunities for Irish and EU businesses, and provide economic benefits in the medium to longer term.

As with any set of negotiations, each side has its own set of interests. Throughout the negotiations, I have consistently emphasised to the Commissioner, the EU Commission and the other Member States, the importance for Ireland and the EU that the Agreement with Canada, would reflect the economic importance of the agriculture sector, and that any agreement reached with Canada must be balanced and fair.

I will continue to look for an Agreement that is comprehensive and balanced and one that delivers real trade and economic potential for our economy. In this context I recognise the need to take into account the impact of trade liberalisation and market opening on sensitive areas of the economy and will continue to express and press our case that any agreement respects our broad trade interests and especially those of the agriculture sector.