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

Ireland's position on the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations is well known and has not changed. We have consistently opposed any agreement that will have negative consequences for the Irish and EU agriculture sectors and the beef sector, in particular. This position has been reiterated many times, for example, by me and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Andrew Doyle, at meetings of the Council of Agriculture Ministers, as well as by other Ministers in the relevant EU trade policy fora. It has also been done through direct contacts with Commissioners Hogan and Malmstroem and by the Taoiseach at the European Council and through his own direct contacts, including Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the French President, Emmanuel Macron.

I have been very consistent in urging caution in the approach to the negotiations. I have expressed Ireland's very grave concerns about the offer of a beef tariff rate quota of 70,000 tonnes made by the European Union to Mercosur last October and our strong view that this figure should not be exceeded. I have been working closely with member state colleagues in that regard and also remained in close contact with Commissioner Hogan on the matter.

There have recently been reports of agreement being reached on other aspects of the negotiations. I would be very concerned if progress on these aspects were to lead to further concessions on beef. I am aware that there will be a further round of negotiations in Montevideo in the week commencing 4 June. In that regard, I continue to remain in close contact with European Commission counterparts and member state colleagues to press Ireland's concerns. In an overall sense, there is, undoubtedly, a need for continued vigilance in the conduct of these trade negotiations. I will continue to insist that they be handled appropriately and in a manner that will safeguard the interests of the Irish and European beef sectors. In that regard, I will also continue to work very closely with member state colleagues. In particular, full account must be taken of the findings of the Commission’s own assessment of the cumulative impact of trade deals on the agrifood sector and the potentially very damaging impact of Brexit on an already delicate balance in the European beef market.

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