Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
201. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will confirm a date to enable Dáil Éireann to have an opportunity to debate the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29050/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that it is important to wait to see the benefits of the EU – Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) taking effect. We can then have a fully informed, evidence based debate on the value of the Agreement to Ireland. I would stress that following the recent Opinion 2/15 of the European Court of Justice on the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement there are no immediate plans to ratify CETA.
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. The main provisions offering new opportunities for Irish business will be provisionally applied once Canada has completed its own procedures. It is expected that CETA will provisionally apply from summer 2017.
My Department will undertake a comprehensive study which will examine in depth the economic impact of existing and forthcoming EU Free Trade Agreements including CETA. 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 sectorial level, especially on employment and output. The terms of reference for the study are currently being developed.
