Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Questions (181)

Mick Wallace

Question:

181. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has availed of the opportunity to access the confidential reading rooms in the US Embassy in Dublin, in order to assess the content of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; if so, if he has had the opportunity to read US input papers and draft partnership chapters, consolidated texts, in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19669/15]

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Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I very much welcome Commissioner Malmström’s efforts to improve transparency since she took office. As the Deputy will be aware the EUs negotiating documents and concept papers are now available publically on the EU’s Trade website. Together with other member states we have encouraged the Commissioner in her discussion with the US side to improve access to the US negotiating documents and in this context the opening of reading rooms is a welcome first step. I have not had the opportunity to read US input papers as they are not available. However, I look forward to the availability of consolidated texts in due course and to having access to these documents in Dublin.