The Comhlámh Trade Justice Group’s new CETA resource page launched

The Comhlámh Trade Justice Group is launching its new resource page today to inform the Irish public on what is at stake with the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, CETA. This is particularly pertinent as the High Court ruled today on Patrick Costello’s legal challenge to the CETA deal.

This interactive resource provides readers with an in-depth analysis and extensive readings, of what is at stake with the Investor State Dispute Settlement mechanism known as the Investor Court System. This system will allow Canadian multinational companies to sue the Irish state for loss of future profits arising from changes to Irish social or environmental legislation.

has been active in highlighting the devastatingly negative impact that Investor State Dispute Settlement provisions will have on the formation of public policy. ISDS is a mechanism that has its origins from the end of the colonial era and they should have no place in trade agreements.

Agreements like CETA are part of a new generation of free trade agreements, which go far beyond reducing tariffs. CETA has the potential to affect areas of policy such as health, employment, food, water, education, transport, environment, sovereignty and democracy. In short, it touches almost every aspect of our society.

We look forward to any feedback on the resources, email us at tradejustice@comhlamh.org.