Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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368. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding Ireland's position at the World Trade Organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, if Ireland's position as a full member of the WTO is ever different to that of the European Union, which is also a full member of the WTO, bearing in mind that Ireland is a member state of the EU; the steps that will be taken within the WTO if the position of Ireland and the EU ever differs; his views on whether both a member state of the EU such as Ireland and the EU itself, both being full members of the WTO is beneficial; his views on whether both member states and the EU itself being members of the WTO, dual representation, could be a model to be replicated by the EU at the United Nations in New York for the the General Assembly where they do not enjoy full status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27633/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Both the European Union (EU) and the 27 EU Member States are members of the WTO. The European Commission negotiates at the WTOon behalf of the European Union and its Member States when authorised by the Council.

In doing so, the Commission seeks to reconcile EU Member States' interests and priorities with WTO partners' requests by aiming to secure a consensus among the Member States. Ireland's position with regard to WTO matters is represented within this consensus. Ireland's informed position is formulated by drawing on its full participation in the WTO and its supporting structures.

When the EU negotiates an agreement at the WTO, it does so on the basis of a formal authorisation of the Council. The Commission actively consults with Member States in the Council throughout WTO negotiations and will take the Council's position into account to achieve an outcome beneficial to Member States. The Commission also requires the formal agreement of Council in order to conclude any WTO related agreement.

My understanding is that the rules for Membership of the WTO and the United Nations are different. The UN Charter provides the rules for membership of the United Nations. The European Union is not a Member State under the terms of the UN Charter. The EU gained enhanced observer status in May 2011. This allows the EU through the European External Action Service (EEAS) the right to speak among representatives of major groups. European Union Member States coordinate closely to advance common EU positions at the United Nations.