EU-US Trade

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Questions (103)

Damien English

Question:

103. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the current state of negotiations of a transatlantic trade and investment partnership between the EU and US; his views on whether the partnership should include clauses empowering EU and US based companies to take private legal cases directly against Governments at international tribunals where they find that national laws in areas such as public health, environmental and social protection infringe their right to business; the implications of such a clause for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43057/13]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Negotiations between the EU and the US on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) began formally in July, with the first round of negotiations held in Washington in the week beginning 8 July 2013. The second round was due to have taken place in Brussels from 7-11 October, but this was cancelled at the request of the U.S. due to difficulties caused by the partial government shutdown in the U.S. The EU Commission is responsible for negotiating on behalf of the EU, and it is doing so on the basis of a wide mandate from the EU Council of Ministers. From the feedback I have had thus far, I am satisfied that the EU Commission is approaching these negotiations in an assiduous and comprehensive way. It is planned that the EU Trade Commissioner, Mr Karel De Gucht, will bring ministers up to date on the state of play of negotiations at the Council of Ministers meeting on 18 October.

I am conscious of the issues arising in relation to Investor-State Dispute Settlement. It is clear that the State has the right to regulate in areas such as public health, environmental and social protection and this will continue to be the case. It is far too early to say whether and if so under what conditions Investor-State Dispute Settlement provisions might feature in an eventual TTIP Agreement.