MEP Clune hosts consultation on TTIP
29th June 2015
Cork businesses and organisations make forceful points for and against the Agreement
Deirdre Clune MEP hosted a lively discussion on the current Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations in Cork this morning hosted jointly by the European Parliament and Cork Chamber of Commerce.
The event hosted representatives of business, farming, trade union, environmental and food sectors.
"I took note of very strong concerns of the farming sector" Ms Clune said. "Farmers want the Beef and Pigmeat sectors to be protected and given the importance of these farming sectors, I will be making this known to my colleagues in the European Parliament".
Concern was also voiced at the proposed ISDS system proposed for the resolution of disputes relating to international investments. The dangers of such a mechanism allowing large corporations to sue governments were highlighted. The example of the case initiated by the Phillip Morris Tobacco Company against Australia's anti-tobacco legislation was pointed out as an example that even health protection measures might be challenged by businesses. Ms Clune pointed out that nothing is agreed yet in relation to these areas and it is an issue that the European Parliament is acutely aware of.
Trade Union interests made known their concerns that a TTIP agreement may lead to a race to the bottom in employment conditions.
"I was very pleased with the feedback received from the participants in this morning's meeting" Ms Clune said. "What is clear is that certain sectors see opportunities in a TTIP agreement but others have legitimate concerns. It is important that any final deal on TTIP is a balanced one."
CEO of Cork Chamber, Conor Healy agreed: “Given the nature of Ireland’s economy and the huge importance of the relationship between Ireland and the USA, TTIP represents a real opportunity to improve the trading environment both for our indigenous SMEs and for our MNC investors. The key will be to ensuring that the negotiations take into account both perspectives and find mutually beneficial solutions to some of the challenges that currently exist.”
Ms Clune concluded the meeting stating that "Yes, there are issues that need to be ironed out. Yes, there are difficult negotiations to take place but TTIP has the potential to create up to 10,000 Irish jobs. An independent study by Copenhagen Economics on the benefits for Ireland showed that the deal would add 1.1% to Irish GDP. The report says the trade agreement would create 5,000-10,000 additional jobs in exporting sectors of the economy; and the benefits would amount to on average more than €1,200 per family."
"The EU Commission’s approach in identifying points of concern and in engaging with stakeholders is aimed at achieving a reasonable and workable arbitration system that addresses the shortcomings already identified in historic models of ISDS that have given rise to concerns, and that can lead to wider global reform."
Return to the Archive News section