Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

27. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the CETA trade talks and their current status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36270/16]

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

30. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the CETA negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39122/16]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

34. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of developments in relation to the CETA ahead of the final vote to provisionally apply the deal in the coming weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38954/16]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 30 and 34 together.

At the 16^thEU-Canada Summit on the 30^thOctober 2016 in Brussels, EU leaders and the Canadian Prime Minister signed the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). CETA is a comprehensive and progressive trade agreement between the EU and Canada. It removes over 99% of tariffs that currently hinder trade between the EU and Canada. It is expected to increase bilateral trade by €12 billion per year, and to generate growth and new jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

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. Provisional application allows businesses and consumers to enjoy the benefits and new opportunities of the agreement as soon as possible in respect of good and services.

The European Parliament vote on the provisional application of the Agreement is scheduled to take place in February 2017. Should the Parliament give its consent, the agreement will be provisionally applied. The process of ratification of the Agreement can then commence in Member States according to their constitutional requirements. The provisions regarding investment protection will only apply after the agreement has been ratified by all Member States.