Government will defend Ceta trade deal, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parliamentary parties told

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varakdar both strongly defended the controversial trade deal between Europe and Canada, and said a referendum will not be required for ratification, at their respective parliamentary party meetings on Wednesday,

Both party leaders said they would work to ensure that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta) would be ratified by Ireland, notwithstanding this week’s Supreme Court judgment that it cannot be unless changes are made in the laws of arbitration.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin told Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators that the party had to “stand up” for the principle of free trade for jobs, economic growth and an enterprise economy.

“The far left or Sinn Féin never talk about the positives of free trade or enterprise,” he said to the meeting, according to colleagues. “We welcome the clarity of the Supreme Court and will analyse the judgment and set out the next steps.”

Irish exports to Canada could double in five years, according to report

---

‘We can have trade without investor courts’: Greens’ anti-Ceta faction are not for turning

---

Suspended Green TD indicates he would vote against Coalition over Ceta trade deal

---

TD’s case over Ceta shines a light on contentious investor courts system

---

[ Ceta appeal may be among ‘most important’ in Supreme Court’s history, judge says ]

[ The Irish Times view on the Supreme Court verdict on Ceta: a headache for the Government ]

Likewise, Mr Varadkar told his party meeting that Ireland’s prosperity was prosperity was based on being open to and supportive of free trade.

“Most EU countries have ratified Ceta in full and it is in our economic interest to be early movers on trade agreements,” he told colleagues.

He said the Supreme Court ruling would require careful consideration and this could take a few months. “A referendum is not required but we will have to consult colleagues and international partners about whether a change to the Arbitration Act would work for them as well as for us,” he said.

Mr Martin said the announcement of sanctions against Irish politicians, including senior members of the Government, was “Russian propaganda”. He said that Ireland’s stance would not be deflected by actions like this.

He also mentioned the historic abuse of students at Spiritan schools such as Blackrock College in Dublin describing it as “shocking and sickening”. The situation is extremely serious as well as the apparent scale and nature of abuse. He said the Government would engage with victims and legally assess the issues identified.

Mr Martin disclosed that a number of TDs and Senators have spoken with him about the issues. He has written to all Opposition parties to discuss a way forward, that will assist survivors. He assured colleagues that there will be a process which will be informed by the Attorney General.

He said he was “concerned to hear Sinn Féin figures boasting that they had fought against several trade agreements for decades”.

On housing, Mr Varadkar argued that there must be emphasis on turning approved planning permissions into real homes. He said there appeared to be a slowdown in new construction in recent months due to rising costs.

He said the Government would need to achieve 30,000 new home completions next year.

At the Fianna Fáil meeting, John McGuinness and Cormac Devlin raised the long running issue of thalidomide, with specific focus on medical needs and costs. The Taoiseach confirmed that he is due to meet the thalidomide survivors on Thursday with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.