Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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72. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which all or any aspects of the transatlantic trade and investment partnership agreement have been discussed at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings; if any emphasis has been placed on the need for trading partners to uphold the highest standards in respect of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45562/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Agreement (TTIP) was discussed most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council of Trade Ministers on 21 November.

The primary objective of the TTIP is to promote growth and jobs, greater compatibility in regulation, high standards and common rules to facilitate trade and investment.

The EU Commission’s mandate to negotiate with the United States on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on behalf of the EU states that that the Agreement will exclusively contain provisions on trade and trade–related areas applicable between the parties. The mandate also states that the Agreement should confirm that the transatlantic trade and investment partnership is based on common values, including the protection and promotion of human rights and international security.