We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

CETA debate in the Seanad

Summary

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins requests a comprehensive Seanad debate on the EU-Canada trade agreement, CETA, following the Minister’s suggestion that a committee might consider it.

I echo the concern expressed by Senator Rose Conway-Walsh about the GDP figures. It would be useful to debate them more comprehensively in the House.

Earlier this week I raised my concern about the comprehensive economic trade agreement, CETA, between the European Union and Canada. The Minister responding recognised that there was a need for further debate and suggested the jobs, enterprise and innovation committee might be one place where such a debate might occur. I ask the Deputy Leader to consider arranging a debate on the matter in the Seanad because the scope of the agreement goes far beyond the question of jobs and innovation. It would be useful to debate the agreement in this House prior to the proposed signing of a provisional application on 18 October. The agreement is a pressing issue and, therefore, it is a matter for a pressing debate. I would appreciate if we could have a debate during the first week following our return in the autumn.

As a university Senator, I am extremely concerned, as is another of the university Senators, Senator Lynn Ruane, about the developments in Turkey in response to the recent coup. These developments are giving rise to serious human rights concerns. In Turkey 21,000 teachers have had their licences revoked, 15,200 staff at the department of education have lost their employment and been suspended and 1,500 deans of universities have also had their resignations demanded. The Turkish state has placed a huge scale of pressure on the education system at every level and on the individuals who work in the system. There are now media reports that academic staff have been forbidden from international travel. Moreover, those who are travelling internationally at present were given the deadline of 8.30 a.m. today to return to their posts and present themselves for work. That means some of the academic staff only have a matter of several hours' notice. We are not clear what the consequence will be for those who did not get back to Turkey at 8.30 a.m. This is a very concerning issue. I urge that over the summer the Government make sure human rights concerns are placed at the centre of its engagement on the ongoing situation in Turkey. Will the Minister for Education and Skills engage with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on the issue? I also ask the to Government promote a review of the EU-Turkey refugee deal in the light of the highly unstable situation and worrying trends in that country.

I will not address my final issue because Senator Gerard P. Craughwell will comprehensively address it. I refer to the issue of the Dublin Institute of Technology, DIT, unfairly reneging on its funding agreement with the students' union there. Senator Lynn Ruane and I call on the DIT to address the issue and ensure interim funding is found.

Comment on this