Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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33. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to consent to provisional application of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ahead of upcoming EU council meetings and the EU-Canada Summit. [30968/16]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) represents a modern high standard Agreement which has the ability to set a new global standard for Trade Agreements. It will end limitations in access to public contracts, open up markets for services and offer predictable conditions for investors.

Irish firms will also benefit from the recognition of product standards and certification, thus saving on ‘double testing’ on both sides of the Atlantic. These are some of the benefits of the trade deal with Canada as well as providing new market opportunities in many sectors for Irish firms.

Given the position taken by Ireland and other Member States, the Commission submitted CETA to the Council for decision as a mixed Agreement. That is one requiring both EU and individual Member States ratification. As this process may take a number of years to complete the Agreement provides for provisional application. However, following a decision by the Council with the consent of the Parliament, it will be possible to provisionally apply CETA.

It is important to note that investment protection and investment dispute settlement provisions have been specifically carved out from the provisional application of CETA. This means these provisions will not come into being until voted for by the Dáil.

In addition to meet the political concerns of certain Member States, the Commission and Canada have agreed a Joint Interpretative Instrument to provide further assurances in relation to public services, labour rights and environmental standards and investment.

Accordingly, the Government supports provisional application as we are keen to see Irish firms enjoy the tariff free benefits and new business opportunities as soon as possible.