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

441. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views regarding the EU-India free trade agreement meeting in Brussels on 15 April 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34916/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The competence for the EU's common commercial policy lies with the European Union. Under Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the European Commission conducts the negotiations on behalf of the EU. In that context, EU Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht, met with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma, in Brussels on 15 April 2013. As I understand it, the meeting provided the opportunity to assess progress made up to that date and to identify remaining issues.

Negotiations on an ambitious and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India were launched in June 2007. While an agreement has not yet been finalised, I understand that negotiations are at a crucial phase as negotiators attempt to bridge the remaining gaps between the sides.