Leo Varadkar says Ireland’s delay in ratifying EU-Canada trade deal sends out ‘wrong message’ to world Michelle Devane Updated: 14:04, 26 May 2021 IRELAND's delay in ratifying the EU-Canada trade deal sends out the "wrong message" to the world, the Tanaiste has warned. Leo Varadkar said Ireland has an "even bigger" responsibility as a champion of free trade since Brexit and that ratification of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta) "drifting indefinitely" would negatively impact investment and employment in the country. 2 2 European Council President Donald Tusk, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pose after the joint press conference and the signing of the CETA trade deal in 2016Credit: AFP - Getty