Vol. 484 No. 3
98 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the responsibilities of her Department in relation to EU multilateral trade; if she will report on the current state of EU multilateral trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22004/97]
In accordance with the European Union's Common Commercial Policy, decisions in relation to multilateral trade are mostly taken at EU level and involves close co-operation between member states and the EU Commission. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ensures that Irish interests are taken into account when decisions are reached that affect the external trade policy of the EU. Through the EU's Common Commercial Policy, and in particular its market access strategy, Irish companies benefit from increased access to non-EU markets. This is particularly important given Ireland's heavy dependence on exports.
The European Union's trade strategy is clearly set out in its document The Global Challenge of International Trade: A Market Access Strategy for the European Union, which was presented in February 1996. The strategy is based on a sharper focus on access by the union, with action being taken both bilaterally and multilaterally. Priorities for multilateral action include: full implementation and consolidation of the Uruguay Round results; strengthening the World Trade organisation, WTO, inter alia, by encouraging the entry of new members; further market-opening action through the WTO in the areas of financial services, basic telecommunications, maritime transport, rules and disciplines in relation to trade in services, rules of origin, tariff reductions, Government procurement and intellectual property; and, aiming for progress on the “new agenda” items of trade and investment, trade and competition, trade and environment, trade and labour standards and coherence between trade and monetary-financial policies. These priorities are being actively pursued through the WTO and in various bilateral contacts with trading partners.
