Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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82. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Dáil Eireann will not be asked to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, between Canada and the European Union until there is a judgment given by the European Court of Justice that directly decides upon the legality of CETA and its investor state dispute provisions under European law (details supplied). [22661/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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On 15 February 2017, the European Parliament voted in support of the provisional application of CETA.  The process of ratification can now commence in some 43 national parliaments and regional assemblies across the EU according to their constitutional requirements. In Ireland’s case, the Dáil will be part of the final decision to ratify the Agreement. My understanding is that the European Court of Justice has not been asked to decide on issues referred to by the Deputy.

I fully support the early 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.

Canada is currently finalising its internal implementation procedures to allow for its ratification of the Agreement. This process is expected to be completed in the near future and should facilitate provisional application by Autumn of this year. Regarding ratification by Ireland, I believe that it is important to wait to see the benefits of CETA come into being before it 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 representative groups to ensure that Irish firms take early advantage of the terms of the Agreement. In addition, Minister Breen and Minister Murphy have led sectoral trade missions to Canada this year. I will also be leading a trade mission to Canada later this month to promote the opportunities provided by the Agreement.

Earlier this month, the Taoiseach met with Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss the ties between Canada and Ireland including the potential for increased economic and trade links between Ireland and Canada arising from CETA.