Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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44. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a cost benefit analysis has been conducted regarding the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; and if she is satisfied, in view of the extent of the criticism and concerns, that the economic benefits are substantial and worthwhile. [30400/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that on the 30 October 2016, the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed by representatives from Canada, the EU and its Member States.  On the 15 February 2017, the European Parliament voted in support of the provisional application of CETA.  We expect the Agreement to take effect on a provisional basis in the coming months.  I am not aware of criticisms or concerns regarding the economic benefit of this Agreement and the positive impact on trade. 

There are likely to be considerable benefits for Ireland as a result of CETA, these include:

- the elimination of virtually all tariffs between Ireland and Canada,

- the creation of new opportunities for Irish farmers and agri-foods   (i.e. exports of cheese, beef, pork are all expected to increase under CETA)

- enabling Irish firms to bid for public contracts in Canada  

- making it easier for Irish professionals to work in Canada, which will make it easier for Irish companies including SME’s to access the Canadian service market

I fully support provisional application of the Agreement.  I will continue working with Enterprise Ireland and Business Groups to ensure that Irish firms take early advantage of the terms of this Agreement.  In this context my Department recently concluded a successful government led trade mission to Canada to further explore the trade potential between Ireland and Canada which can be for the benefit of the citizens of both of our countries.  The trade mission highlighted the increasing opportunities for Irish firms in Canada, which we expect to increase under CETA.

CETA covers virtually every aspect of economic activity and will provide new market opportunities in many sectors for Irish firms.  Irish companies will also be able to bid for Canadian public contracts, as limitations to these will end under CETA.  Irish firms will also benefit from the recognition of product standards and certification, thus saving on ‘double testing’ on both sides of the Atlantic.  Ireland has strong protections for our beef industry through restricted quotas for Canadian beef entering the EU.  CETA provides significant opportunities for the Irish dairy industry also.

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.  The main provisions offering new opportunities for Irish business will come in to force once Canada has completed its own procedures.  

My Department also plans to undertake a comprehensive study which will examine in depth the economic impact of existing and forthcoming EU Free Trade Agreements.  The analysis from the study will inform the Department and relevant agencies in setting the policy framework required for Irish businesses to take full advantage of concluded trade agreements and preferential trade access, and to prepare for future opportunities.  The study will also identify the impact of free trade agreements at sectoral level, especially on employment and output.  The terms of reference for the study are currently being developed.