Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy and the House that the Government and I remain absolutely steadfast in our opposition to a Mercosur trade deal involving significant volumes of beef. We have indicated clearly we are unhappy with the 70,000 tonnes offer for obvious reasons including, as mentioned, the Brexit scenario and the Commission's cumulative impact assessment. The European Council and its decision making process is made up of many member states with many competing interests. We are one voice but we have built a coalition of like-minded member states on this. We are doing everything we possibly can to ensure the view holds sway. At this stage, the negotiations are at a point where the next move with respect to impediments to a deal will come from the Mercosur negotiators. We remain constantly engaged on the matter with every player involved, including Commissioners Hogan and Malmström. I am in contact with like-minded member states, particularly the French, to ensure we get the best possible deal.

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