The Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is a high standard trade agreement which safeguards and promotes the EU’s norms and values.
It is important to note that Independent Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis and are not U.N. staff and serve in their individual capacity, as such their views are not the views of the U.N.
As the Deputy will be aware the provisions in CETA relating to investment protection and investment dispute resolution will be excluded from provisional application.
In addition, to meet the political concerns of certain Member States, the European Commission and Canada have agreed a Joint Interpretative Instrument to provide further assurances in relation to public services, labour rights and environmental standards and investment.
Accordingly, the Government supported provisional application as we are keen to see Irish firms enjoy tariff free benefits and new business opportunities as soon as possible.
