Failure to ratify the EU-Canada trade deal CETA would be an “own goal” for Ireland, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said.
He told an Oireachtas committee that rejection of the agreement would send out “the wrong message to the world” that Ireland’s commitment to free trade is “waning.”
The Minister for Enterprise also brushed off concerns that the establishment of an investment court system (ICS) under the treaty would make it easier for corporations to sue governments and could stifle policy-making decisions.
Dáil votes to ratify the controversial deal were postponed in December 2020 and February this year, amid fears it could cause a split in coalition partners the Green Party over environmental concerns.
Mr Varadkar said: “I don’t want ratification delayed and drifting indefinitely and for Ireland to stand by and watch other EU member states ratify it ahead of us, as the majority have already.
“I think that would send out the wrong message to the world. One of a waning commitment to trade and free enterprise in Ireland, which would have negative consequences for investment and employment.
“Ireland should be a leader in Europe and the first mover when it comes to free trade, in my view.”