Ratification of EU-Canada trade deal is unconstitutional, Supreme Court rules

Green Party TD Patrick Costello said: “Now that the Supreme Court has decided a referendum is required to ratify Ceta it is up to the Cabinet to decide the timing of when such a referendum will be."

Patrick Costello's case centred on the provision of investor protection and the establishment of an investment court system. File photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The Irish Constitution precludes the Government and Dáil Éireann from ratifying the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta) deal, the majority of the Supreme Court has ruled.

Seven Supreme Court judges issued individual judgments in the appeal, which was livestreamed on Friday, with many diverging findings regarding elements of the appeal brought by Green Party TD Patrick Costello.