Irish unions set to oppose planned EU-US trade deal

Irish unions are set to oppose a planned EU-US trade deal, claiming the arrangements under discussion could erode rights and standards throughout Europe.

As the Government said a deal could expand the economy by 1.1 per cent, Irish Congress of Trade Unions chief Patricia King said the proposal could lead to “secret courts” for investors and corporations.

Such courts would not be subject to judicial review, she said. “That is plainly wrong and is an alien concept.”