merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar T.D., today responded to the Judgment of the Supreme Court that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada, commonly known as CETA, cannot be approved by Dáil Éireann under Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution.

Responding to today’s Judgment the Tánaiste said:

“The decision of the Supreme Court is noted. While it is disappointing that ratification is not now immediately possible, the Government remains committed to ratifying the CETA agreement in full. It will now take some time to reflect on the wider decision and consider its implications. Our initial assessment is that a referendum is not required and that ratification can follow once some changes are made to domestic law.”

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary T.D. said:

“Business links between Ireland and Canada are deep and extensive.  Canada is an important export market, particularly for our indigenous exporters, with more than 400 Enterprise Ireland clients are doing business in the Canadian market. Government will reflect on the decision today and consider the next steps on how best to proceed and to reassure our Canadian partners that Ireland remains very much an advocate for free, fair and open trade.”

CETA has provisionally applied since 21st September 2017, this has allowed Irish companies take advantage of the beneficial terms of the Agreement since then.