The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has welcomed the Supreme Court decision that the Government’s proposed ratification of the ‘Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement’ (CETA) between the EU and Canada is unconstitutional under Irish law.
In a majority decision by the Court announced two weeks ago (11th November), the Government and Dáil’s proposed ratification of the trade agreement was deemed unconstitutional as Irish law now stands.
The Court said the ratification of CETA would “breach the judicial sovereignty of the State” contrary to the Constitution.
In its 2016 statement on CETA, the ICTU argued that the (then proposed) EU-US ‘TTIP’ agreement - and in particular its controversial provisions establishing an ‘Investor Court System’ giving multinational investors the right to sue governments for alleged breaches of their rights under the agreement - was an affront to democracy and could breach the Irish Constitution.
ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy commented: “We welcome the fact that the Supreme Court has now clarified the matter, and we congratulate Patrick Costello TD for performing a vital public service in this regard.
“ICTU supports trade agreements between the EU and other countries that are fair and that create better jobs, that protect fundamental rights, including workers’ rights, and public services and that promote climate action, not one that privileges investors over democracy.
“It is now incumbent on Government to consider the Supreme Court’s ruling in full and with all stakeholders before deciding its response,” he said.
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