Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress of the negotiation of the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership; his views regarding concerns expressed about the possible undue influence which could be exercised by multinationals; if he will support the current proposals. [35623/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Since the formal negotiations between the European Union and the United States on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) began in July 2013, six negotiating rounds have taken place. The most recent of these took place from 14-18 July in Brussels where all pillars and chapters of the TTIP were discussed. During that round, close to 25 different negotiating areas were covered, with the exception of Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) and investment protection, tariffs and financial services. A report on the outcome of the 6th round and further background documents is available on the European Commission’s TTIP website.



The 7th round of the TTIP negotiations is scheduled to take place in the US from 29 September to 3 October. This will be the last round before the current European Commission ends its term on 30 October and the US midterm elections, scheduled for 4 November, take place. It is expected that the 8th round of the negotiations will be held in December, with dates yet to be confirmed.

The European Commission has in place, an extensive framework for stakeholder consultation, which ensures that all interests have the possibility to have their view heard. Stakeholder consultation includes the recent the internet-based consultation on ISDS, stakeholders’ presentations, briefings and debriefings during each negotiating round, and an Advisory Group of experts including environmental, health, consumer and worker interests as well as business interests.