Written answers

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Photo of Tony McLoughlinTony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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677. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when she envisages Dáil Éireann ratifying the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, as is required in order for it to become EU legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16440/17]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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On the 15th February 2017, the European Parliament voted in favour of the provisional application of EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).  Provisional application is a standard part of trade agreements and allows those parts of the agreement for which the EU has competence to come into force.  The provisions relating to investment protection and investment dispute settlement are excluded from provisional application. 

The full entering into force of the agreement will be subject to a Council decision with the consent of the European Parliament and by the approval of all Member States through the relevant national ratification procedures. 

I fully support provisional application of the Agreement.  I am of the view that there should be no impediment to Irish companies immediately taking advantage of the provisions of CETA including eliminating tariffs on almost all of key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, easing regulatory barriers and ensuring more transparent rules for market access.

I believe that it is important to wait to see the benefits of CETA come into being, before CETA is put before the Dáil for ratification.  Then we can have a fully informed, evidence based debate on the value of the Agreement to Ireland. 

My Department is already working with our agencies and Business Groups to ensure that Irish firms take early advantage of the terms of the Agreement.  I will be leading a trade mission to Canada in late May to promote the opportunities provided by the Agreement.

 

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