Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2017
241. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will outline EU or national studies or research regarding employment growth, job creation and the increase in exports of goods and services as a direct result of EU free trade agreements from an EU and Irish perspective and other benefits accruing. [26414/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department plans to undertake a comprehensive study which will examine in depth the economic impact of existing and forthcoming EU Free Trade Agreements. The analysis from the study will inform the Department and relevant agencies in setting the policy framework required for Irish businesses to take full advantage of concluded trade agreements and preferential trade access, and to prepare for future opportunities. The study will also identify the impact of free trade agreements at sectoral level, especially on employment and output. The terms of reference for the study are currently being developed.
From Ireland’s perspective the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement had a very positive impact in stimulating bilateral trade and investment. There has been a significant increase in total trade between Ireland and Korea since the Agreement came into force in 2011 with trade in services increasing by 90% to €680 million and trade in goods increasing by 166% to €1.8 billion.
The Deputy may wish to view the following publications in relation to the benefit of EU free trade agreements -
Making trade an engine of growth for all: The case for trade and for policies to facilitate adjustment 2017
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news17_e/wto_imf_report_07042017.pdf;
Annual Report on the Implementation of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement 2016 http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/june/tradoc_154699.pdf ;
Chief Economist Note EU Exports to the World: Effects on employment and income 2016
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/february/tradoc_154244.pdf;
EU Exports to the World: Effects on employment and income 2015
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2015/june/tradoc_153503.PDF;
Trade, Growth and Jobs Commission Contribution to the European Council 2013
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2013/april/tradoc_151052.pdf.
In addition to these studies, the European Commission and my Department both conducted impact assessments which modelled the potential of impact of a free trade agreement with the US. These can be found at –
https://www.djei.ie/en/Publications/TTIP-Impact-in-Ireland-Study.html;
http://www.trade-sia.com/ttip/.
