Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Questions (20)

Mick Wallace

Question:

20. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the concerns raised in many corners regarding the human rights implications of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, including the recent call, reported in the British newspaper The Guardian, from a former senior official in the United Nations, Mr. Alfred de Zayas, for the suspension of the partnership negotiations for this reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18404/15]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The primary objective of the TTIP is to promote growth and jobs, greater compatibility in regulation, high standards, and common rules to facilitate trade and investment.

The EU Commission’s mandate to negotiate with the United States on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on behalf of the EU states that the Agreement will exclusively contain provisions on trade and trade–related areas applicable between the parties.

The mandate also states that the Agreement should confirm that the transatlantic trade and investment partnership is based on common values, including the protection and promotion of human rights and international security.