Concerns have been raised over allegations that the European Union (EU) has allegedly given confidential papers to oil and gas firms on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations.

Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources said the papers are too confidential to make available to the public or to sovereign governments.

He said: "It is also alleged that the EU has asked oil and gas companies to contribute to the section of the negotiations that deal with energy.

-- Advertisement --

"This would support the view of many that there are significant negotiations with multinational companies on TTIP, but very little with the public or representative organisations.

"This is a serious situation that further undermines the TTIP negotiations.

"It is effectively handing power for the energy section of TTIP over to oil and gas companies to shape in their favour.

"This could have serious implications for governments such as the Irish government.

"Hydraulic fracturing is a very controversial issue in energy at the moment, and if oil and gas companies are allowed a free hand to write the energy section of TTIP, they could use this power to force the Irish governments hand on the issue."

(CD/MH)