Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
122. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the potential negative impact on the environment, workers and consumers rights, as highlighted by trade unions and other organisations here and across Europe, in relation to the transatlantic trade and investment partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44332/14]
View answerOne of the clearly stated objectives in the EU’s negotiating mandate is sustainable development, which encompasses the respect of international environmental and labour agreements and standards while promoting high levels of protection for the environment, labour and consumers, consistent with the EU acquis and Member States' legislation. It is, therefore, an explicit objective that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership would not negatively impact on such standards and protections.
The full text of the mandate can be found on the EU Council’s website at
http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11103-2013-DCL-1/en/pdf
