Ireland Canada Business Association welcomes Supreme Court decision on CETA Trade deal; urges Irish government to proceed to full ratification.
The Ireland Canada Business Association welcomes today’s Supreme Court decision that ratification of CETA by the Dail is indeed constitutional.
This very significant decision finally puts CETA in position for full ratification by the Irish government once amendments of the Arbitration Act 2010, as identified by the Supreme Court, have been made by the Government.
Speaking at a recent ICBA event, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar reaffirmed his commitment to fully ratify this trade deal which is already delivering so many benefits for Irish and Canadian companies.
“We’re already seeing most of the benefits from [CETA] with tariff-free trade on so many different goods and a big increase in trade between Ireland and Canada in both directions. In terms of ratifying the agreement itself, we have government commitment to do so.
The barrier to that now at the moment is that it’s been challenged in the courts as to whether or not we need a referendum…certainly it’s the intention of the government to proceed with ratification if the court case determines that a referendum isn’t required.”
The ICBA is now calling on the Irish government to honour this commitment and finally get this historic deal signed-off.
Chris Collenette, Chair of the Ireland Canada Business Association:
“CETA has been in operation for just over five years and it has already fuelled a more than 30% rise in the value of goods trade between Ireland and Canada. This trade agreement has delivered jobs, economic growth, and an even stronger relationship with Canada, a trusted and like-minded partner. Relationships like these are exactly what Ireland needs during uncertain economic and political times.
When I spoke with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar at the recent ICBA Maple Leaf Dinner, he gave the Irish-Canadian business community a firm commitment that the Irish government would drive forward with ratifying CETA, if the Supreme Court gave it the green light. The courts have done their part, now it’s time for the government to do theirs by amending the Arbitration Act of 2010 and pushing forth with ratification.”