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Bill to clear way for Canada deal is published

A draft bill aimed at facilitating Ireland’s ratification of an EU trade deal with Canada has now been published, after receiving Government approval in May. 

The General Scheme of the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 proposes changes to the Arbitration Act 2010. 

In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that Ireland could not ratify the EU–Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) unless legislative changes were made.

Similar trade deals 

The Supreme Court challenge, brought by former Green Party TD Patrick Costello, centred on the role of a tribunal system set up under the deal to settle disputes between investors and states. 

The draft legislation proposes the amendments to the 2010 act needed to allow for the ratification of CETA and other similar trade deals with third countries that include investment-protection provisions – including Singapore, Vietnam, Chile and Mexico.