Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
115. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of negotiations on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership; the way Ireland’s interests will be protected in the talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44349/14]
View answerSince the formal negotiations between the European Union and the United States on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) began in July 2013, seven negotiating rounds have taken place, the most recent of which took place in the US from 29 September to 3 October 2014. Reports of Rounds, together with background documents, are available on the European Commission’s TTIP website at
http://ec.
.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/ttip/
europa
While I am not aware that a date has yet been set for the eighth round, I expect that it will most likely take place early next year.
As regards representing Ireland’s interests, the EU Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the EU, is required under the terms of the mandate and in accordance with Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to conduct the negotiations in consultation with and to regularly report to the Council on all aspects of the negotiations. Officials from my Department are represented on the relevant committees. As in all trade negotiations at EU and international levels, I fully intend to work at securing the best deal for Ireland, to open up opportunities for Irish business, and to ensure that any sensitivities we may have are taken into account.
