Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 April 2017
360. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the debate on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, will take place in Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17227/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 15th February 2017, the European Parliament voted in favour of the provisional application of EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application is a standard part of trade agreements and allows those parts of the agreement for which the EU has competence to come into force. The provisions relating to investment protection and investment dispute settlement are excluded from provisional application.
The process of ratification can now commence in some 43 national parliaments and regional assemblies across the EU according to their constitutional requirements. In Ireland’s case, the Dáil will be part of the final decision to ratify the Agreement.
I fully support provisional application of the Agreement. I am of the view that there should be no impediment to Irish companies immediately taking advantage of the provisions of CETA including eliminating tariffs on almost all of key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, easing regulatory barriers and ensuring more transparent rules for market access.
I believe that it is important to wait to see the benefits of CETA come into being, before CETA is put before the Dáil for ratification. Then we can have a fully informed, evidence based debate on the value of the Agreement to Ireland.
My Department is already working with our agencies and Business Groups to ensure Irish firms take early advantage of the terms of the Agreement. I will be leading a trade mission to Canada in late May to promote the opportunities provided by the Agreement.
