Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
49. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the stakeholders consulted in the preparation of the forthcoming economic and sustainability impact assessment of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement; if the consulted stakeholders represent in a balanced way the economic, social and environmental concerns related to the trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30027/21]
View answerThe Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement consists of two important and complementary components, namely analysis of the potential economic benefits as well as a robust sustainability impact assessment including social, human rights and environmental impacts that the Trade Agreement could have in Ireland and the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Quantitative modelling of the economic and environmental impacts of the Agreement has been complemented by a comprehensive programme of stakeholder consultations to assess broader economic and sustainability issues.
Stakeholders consulted include agri-food representatives; business representative organisations; human rights and environmental NGOs; union representatives; companies and relevant Government Departments and Agencies. In total, I am informed that over 50 invitations were issued and over 30 consultations were completed. The full list of completed consultations will be published in the final report.
The detailed research and stakeholder consultations are now concluded, and I have been informed that drafting of the actual Report itself is well advanced such that the Report is expected to be received by my Department in the coming weeks. It will be published as soon as possible after consideration by Government.
