Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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60. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans regarding the ratification of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22780/16]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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On 5 July 2016, the Commission published its proposals for signature, conclusion and provisional application of CETA, which are available on the EU Commission’s website (www.trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1524). Given the position taken by Ireland and other Member States, I note that the Commission has now decided to submit CETA to the Council for decision as a mixed agreement.

It will be a matter for the Council and the European Parliament to decide on the signature and provisional application of CETA. Following a decision by the Council with the consent of the Parliament, it will be possible to provisionally apply CETA. Its full entering into force will be subject to the conclusion by the EU, through a Council decision with the consent of the Parliament, and by all Member States through the relevant national ratification procedures. This means that the Oireachtas will be part of the final decision to ratify the agreement. The process will require that I as Minister move a motion in the Dail to ratify the agreement and there will be a vote.