Ratifying CETA deal makes “no sense” for Ireland says Boylan

Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has said that fully ratifying the CETA trade deal makes “no sense ” from an Irish standpoint.

The Dublin MEP said that should the full bill be passed and ratified by the government, it would “serve only to boost the profits of big businesses.”

This week, it has been reported that the government is looking to fully ratify and rubber-stamp the deal, under the pretence of boosting trade with Canada and granting free trade between the EU and Canada.

Boylan notes that most of the deal is already ratified, but there are some lingering delay,s such as private investor courts, which still need to be put through the legislative process.

“These are courts that ordinary people cannot access; they are only available to big businesses,” she explained.

“These courts let big businesses sue states if they take any action that harms the profits of these businesses.”

Boylan said that particular provision of the deal could translate to vulture funds suing Ireland should it attempt to change rental laws.

“Why are Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael so desperate to give foreign businesses the power to sue Ireland?” she asked.

“Fully ratifying this deal will not boost trade. This will just line the pockets of big companies who are already raking in billions in profits.

“This deal should not be fully ratified, it makes no sense for the Irish government to do this.”