Ireland risks falling into a “laggard group” if it delays any further the ratification of the controversial EU-Canada trade deal. Some other EU countries have already ratified the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta) and Mr Varadkar said the good deal for Ireland “should have been ratified ages ago”. Speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Varadkar said he could not explain why his coalition partner, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, changed his position on Ceta. In response, Mr Varadkar explained things are often imported because they are more cheaply produced abroad. The Ceta deal row comes amid Ireland’s controversial hesitance in signing up for the new OECD-backed global tax deal which would see corporation tax set at a minimum of 15%.

Source: Irish Examiner September 22, 2021 11:26 UTC