Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
379. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the EU, Colombia, Peru free trade agreement requires ratification by all member state parliaments before it is transposed into law; if so, when it will be brought before the Dáil for final ratification into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34348/14]
View answerThe Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Peru, is an Agreement within the meaning of Article 29.5.2° of the Constitution. Ratification by Ireland is therefore subject to prior approval of Dáil Éireann. It is my intention to seek the necessary approval of Dáil Éireann before the end of 2014. The organisation of Dáil business is a matter for the whips.
According to the EU Council website - http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/agreements/ - 17 member states have notified the completion of national ratification procedures. Once all member states have notified the completion of national ratification procedures, the Agreement will be formally concluded.
It is relevant to note that the Agreement provides under Article 330 for provisional application, and it has been provisionally applied since 1 March 2013 in the case of Peru and since 1 August 2013 in the case of Colombia.
