Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1900. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the outcome of any recent discussions at the EU Council of Ministers in relation to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26283/16]
View answerThe EU–US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations were discussed at the last EU Council of Trade Ministers on the 13th May 2016, which I attended. The Council was informed about the latest developments regarding the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations. This included prospects for conclusion of the negotiations under the Obama administration. Member States considered that maintaining a high level of ambition in these negotiations was just as important as the ambitious timetable. The Council acknowledged that important progress had been made in recent months and urged the Commission to advance the negotiations, whilst fully respecting its negotiating mandate and the EU interests.
While some have questioned the basis for continuing the negotiations, I believe that the EU and the US can work to reconcile any of the identified trade differences. I share the view of many other Member States and of the EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, whom I met last week, that negotiations should continue and I look forward to further progress in the coming months.
