Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2015
17. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the business sectors which have lobbied the Government in relation to the transatlantic trade and investment partnership talks; the percentage that were supportive; the sectors that opposed specific proposals and the sectors in total opposition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12047/15]
View answerAs part of our engagement and consultation on matters relating to EU-US trade negotiations my Department has met with stakeholders and in particular representative organisations and sectors of enterprise on questions arising in the negotiations. I am not aware of any total opposition to the negotiations arising in these consultations. Indeed business sectors have been broadly supportive of the negotiations and are assisting the Department in identifying priorities and sensitivities in the negotiations. Business sectors represented by IBEC in consultation and briefing meetings with the Department have been broadly supportive of the TTIP negotiations.
IBEC as an organisation are publically supportive of the trade agenda including the EU US trade negotiations. IBEC has 7,500 members. On the other hand, I have received 470 same content emails from individuals concerned about investment provisions in the negotiations. I have responded to these emails to clarify and explain the position.
As I have said previously in the House the purpose of the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is to generate jobs and growth by reducing barriers to trade and investment.
I would like to add that My Department commissioned a study on the impact in Ireland of TTIP. The study, which has now been finalised will be published tomorrow. I welcome hearing the views of all stakeholders including all sectors of business so that we can be in the best position to get the best overall deal for Ireland.
