‘Referendum required’ in transatlantic trade deal

A constitutional referendum would be needed to ratify the proposed multi-billion euro transatlantic trade deal between the European Union and US, says a legal expert.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) being negotiated between the European Commission and US government is aimed at boosting trade between the two economic powerhouses.

The Commission argues that the EU economy could benefit to the tune of €199bn a year and the Irish Government is firmly behind TTIP, despite staunch opposition across much of Europe.