Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding talks between the EU and Australia on a trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17217/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The EU and Australia are currently negotiating a Framework Agreement as the basis for their political and economic dialogue. Negotiations on an EU-Australia Framework Agreement were launched in 2011. The fourth round of negotiations took place in Canberra on 26 and 27 July 2012. This round enabled a number of issues to be solved and agreement to be reached on several articles. The draft Framework Agreement deals with a range of political and economic issues and includes a specific chapter dedicated to co-operation on economic and trade matters. It is anticipated that negotiations may conclude by the end of 2013.