Minister Mitchell O’Connor must update Dáil on latest TTIP negotiations – Collins
Published on: 09 September 2016
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Niall Collins T.D. has called on Minister Mitchell O’Connor to update the Dáil, upon its return later this month, on the current state of TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations.
“Minster O’Connor met with Cecelia Malmstrom, the European Commissioner for Trade, earlier this week, and must let the Oireachtas know the current status of the negotiations,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.
“Despite recent political sabre rattling by French and German economy ministers aimed at their own domestic audiences, 14 rounds of TTIP talks have taken place between the EU and US, and are yet to reach a conclusion.”
“Fianna Fáil supports the principle of removing barriers to trade. As an export-led economy, expanding access to new markets is essential for Ireland to grow its exports and increase jobs at home.”
“What we will not accept is any dilution of living and employment standards. We believe that trade deals must be fair and protect the existing high standards in Ireland.”
“TTIP is an ambitious and comprehensive agreement between the EU and United States that has the potential to add up to 10,000 jobs to the Irish economy across a wide range of businesses and boost Irish GDP by 1.4%. However there are a number of issues that cannot be compromised including food standards.”
“Ireland must defend and ensure that our premier standards are not up for negotiation. Equivalence of standards is key,” added Collins.
“Fianna Fáil believes that a TTIP agreement should not lead to lower levels of consumer, environmental, social or labour protection that are currently offered in, and protected by, the EU.”
“Minister O’Connor must update the house when it returns on where these negotiations are currently at, and what plans, if any, she or her department have to protect Ireland’s premier standards,” concluded Collins.