STATEMENT: Costello welcomes news of CETA going before Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs

Green Party Spokesperson for Justice and TD for Dublin South-Central, Deputy Patrick Costello, has welcomed the news that matters relating to the ratification of the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) will be discussed before the Committee on European Affairs.

Speaking on the matter, he said: “The news that CETA will now go before the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs is a very welcome development and will finally ensure a longer and more comprehensive debate will be facilitated. Both myself and Deputy Neasa Hourigan have spoken out against the deal for months now, as have Green Party members who are due a large amount of credit for the internal pressure they have driven.  

“I am glad to see that we will finally have an opportunity to see key questions answered, particularly on the constitutionality of the ICS system and on the Dáil ratification of CETA. The question of whether CETA requires a referendum must also be addressed comprehensively. CETA is too serious a matter to rush through without listening to debate from other countries and without ensuring a comprehensive analysis and discussion of potential consequences,” concluded Deputy Costello.

ENDS