Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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274. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on whether the opening of formal negotiations between the US and the EU on 8 July 2013 in Washington DC on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership will be hampered as a result of the recent disclosure of US surveillance activity on EU offices in both Washington and New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33459/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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As trade negotiations are a matter of European Union (EU) competence, Ireland’s involvement in trade negotiations is as an active contributor to overall EU policy and consequently I attach great importance to promoting the EU’s external trade agenda. Regarding the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) both the European Union and the United States have a strong interest in successfully concluding this historic agreement that will contribute significantly to encouraging greater trade and investment across the Atlantic while stimulating economic growth and employment opportunities among exporters. As the TTIP opens a huge potential for both sides these negotiations will remain a top priority on our trade policy agenda. In parallel, it is important to address concerns that have been clearly expressed on the European side on some intelligence gathering activities and also on the implication for privacy and data protection at European level.

The President of the European Commission stated on 3 July that the Commission is committed to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, but that in parallel, work will be undertaken in EU-US working groups that will analyse a range of intelligence matters that are of concern to the EU and its citizens, including the question of privacy and data protection. At the Trade Council that I chaired on 14 June, the European Commission received a unanimous mandate from Member States to start these negotiations. The Commission has confirmed that the talks will start on 8 July in Washington. I believe the talks have enormous significance and potential for our economy, but to be successful they have to take place in an atmosphere of confidence between the negotiating parties. This can be achieved if there is clarification on recent issues of serious concern at EU level.