Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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1037. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership trade agreement could lead to a significant weakening of environmental protection regulations; if he has expressed such concerns to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21483/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The negotiating mandate for the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement is set out in the directives for the negotiations which were adopted by the Council of the European Union (Foreign Affairs Council – Trade) on 14 June 2013.

The EU mandate is clear on the importance of a commitment of the Parties to sustainable development and the contribution of international trade to sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions, including economic development, full and productive employment and decent work for all, as well as the protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources.

The mandate addresses the need to recognise that sustainable development is an overarching objective of the Parties and that the Parties will aim at ensuring and facilitating respect for international environmental and labour agreements and standards while promoting high levels of protection for the environment, labour and consumers, consistent with the EU acquis and Member States’ legislation. The mandate states that the Agreement should recognise that the Parties will not encourage trade or foreign direct investment by lowering domestic environmental, labour or occupational health and safety legislation and standards, or by relaxing core labour standards or policies and legislation aimed at protecting and promoting cultural diversity.

Having regard to the EU mandate and the negotiations thus far, I am satisfied that the proposed Agreement will not lead to any weakening of environmental protection regulation in Ireland. My Department is fully involved in the interdepartmental arrangements on the TTIP negotiations.