Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:164. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up-to-date position regarding the free trade agreement between the EU and United Arab Emirates. [21794/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 1 May 2025
Ceisteanna (164)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government remains committed to free, fair and open trade while protecting Ireland’s interests in international trade deals. Our EU membership makes us part of the growing network of EU Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunity for exports and investment, helping support jobs and growth at home, maintaining strict EU standards on food safety, animal and plant health, and supporting better environmental and human rights standards around the world.
On the 10th of April 2025, Commission President von der Leyen announced that the EU had agreed to open negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a Free Trade Agreement. It is intended that this will be negotiated alongside a Strategic Partnership Agreement. For Ireland, delivering a modern and ambitious Free Trade Agreement will not only reinforce EU and Irish relations with the UAE, but also support the goal of market diversification via an expanded set of EU Free Trade Agreements.
I wish to assure the Deputy that both my officials and I will engage actively as these negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with the UAE progress.