Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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869. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current position with regard to the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment trade negotiations on the way Ireland and the European Union are addressing issues which relate to EU African trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22744/16]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The 13th formal round of the EU-US free trade negotiations took place from 11–15 July, 2016 in Brussels. The European Commission publishes a summary of the state of play after the round, which is available on its website. During the round, the negotiators discussed all three pillars of the agreement, namely market access for EU and US companies, regulatory cooperation and trade rules.

A dedicated chapter for small and medium firms has been created, in order to facilitate trade for SMEs by eliminating excessive fees and charges, and by streamlining the processes involved in the export of goods.

During the round, Intensive discussions were held on trade and sustainable development, including labour and the environment. A proposal was put forward for a chapter on energy and raw materials which includes proposals to promote green innovations and trade in green technologies. This is also available to view on the Commission website.

The indications from studies undertaken to date are that TTIP will bring gains for third countries because more growth in the EU and US would increase demand for exports of raw materials, components and finished products from other countries. The Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment on TTIP draft interim Technical Report by Ecorys published last May found that many African countries will benefit from increased demand for their export products as a result of trade creation between the EU and US if TTIP is concluded.

In addition, the institutions under the 2000 Cotonou Agreement are providing a positive framework for the European Union to update African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries on the progress of the TTIP negotiations and to receive feedback on potential impacts from ACP countries and to inform the negotiations. Furthermore, the EU Trade and Investment Strategy launched in October 2015 committed to propose, in the context of TTIP, options that reinforce broader international regulatory cooperation and have positive spill over effects for third countries, in particular developing countries.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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870. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the current stage of the EU-US TTIP negotiation; when he expects these talks to produce a draft treaty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22745/16]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The 14th round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations between the EU the US took place from 11–15 July, 2016 in Brussels.

During this round, negotiators discussed all three pillars of the proposed agreement namely market access for EU and US companies, regulatory cooperation and trade rules.

A dedicated chapter for small and medium firms has been created, in order to facilitate trade for SMEs by eliminating excessive fees and charges, and by streamlining the processes involved in the export of goods.

Intensive discussions were held on trade and sustainable development, including labour and the environment. A proposal was put forward for a chapter on energy and raw materials which includes proposals to promote green innovations and trade in green technologies. Both the EU and US will continue to work towards consolidation of text in all areas by the end of the year. The objective is to work to achieve an ambitious, high standard and balanced TTIP agreement that responds to both EU and US interests. An agreement would be the world’s largest bilateral trade and investment deal, and a successful conclusion is expected to benefit Ireland more than any other EU Member State. Ireland’s enterprises are particularly well placed to take up opportunities to trade more easily with the US. Studies have shown that the benefits to Ireland will be proportionally greater than in the EU as a whole. Ireland strongly supports these negotiations and is working to ensure that our interests are fully reflected in the texts of the negotiations.

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