Bruton: Trade deal could bring at least 4,000 jobs to Ireland

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said today that a transatlantic trade deal with the US could bring more than 4,000 jobs to Ireland.

Richard Bruton is holding high-level talks with US officials at Dublin Castle today in a bid to secure agreement on a new trade deal between America and Europe.

So far this morning, the issues of trade defence and the World Trade Organisation have been discussed.

Minister Bruton said that Ireland's special relationship with the US has added an extra dimension to this EU Trade Council meeting.

"The potential benefits for Europe would be 400,000 jobs," he said.

"Transfer that to Ireland, even on a proportionate basis, would represent 4,00 additional jobs, €800m in additional GDP.

"Now arguably, Ireland, with its very strong traditional links with the US, could do even better."