Singapore trade deal leaves Ireland vulnerable to being sued – Harkin

A new trade and investment protection deal between Singapore and the EU could leave Ireland open to being sued by large international investors. 

That’s the verdict of the Independent MEP Marian Harkin.

The free trade agreement, which was approved by MEPs yesterday, will remove virtually all tariffs between the EU and Singapore within five years.  Supporters of the agreement say it will be a stepping stone to trade deals with other countries in the region.  

However Marian Harkin is objecting to the inclusion of  an investment protection mechanism in the deal. That provides a court system with independent judges to settle disputes between investors and state.

Out words: a door

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