asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the main provisions of the recent US Trade Bill as it affects Ireland; and if he has made any representations in the matter.
Written Answers. - US Trade Bill.
172.
The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 was signed by the US President on 23 August 1988. Copies of the signed text are not yet available from the US. Until the complete text of the signed Bill is available it is not possible to provide a complete analysis of its provisions and the implications for Ireland. However, on the basis of previous drafts of the Trade Bill the main provisions which have emerged are:
—greater powers to the US Administration to retaliate against perceived unfair trade practices by foreign governments,
—renewal of authority for the US Administration to negotiate trade agreements and authorisation of "fast track" procedures for Congressional approval of future trade agreements.
Ireland has joined with her EC colleagues in expressing concern and disappointment at the Bill's protectionist potential. The Council of Ministers has made a number of Declarations warning the US of the consequences of unilateral measures which would breach GATT commitments. The most recent Declaration was on 26 September 1988.
Representations were made by Ireland and the European Community at various stages concerning individual provisions of the various drafts before the final version of the Trade Bill was signed by the President. I can assure the Deputy that consequent on these representations some of the more objectionable aspects of the draft Bill were removed.