Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In a similar vein, I will ask the Taoiseach a specific question regarding the ratification of any Mercosur deal agreed. Would such a deal have to come before the Dáil? Will the Taoiseach clarify the position in respect of trade deals, particularly those that contain an offering of beef?

Previous speakers have made a point that is more urgent and more pertinent. The EU's own cumulative assessment of the impact of trade deals indicated that a deal with Mercosur could lead to a €5 billion hit to the beef trade in Europe, which could mean a hit of up to €500 million to the domestic beef industry and a 16% cut in the prices received by farmers whose income from production already leaves them on the bread line. Will the Taoiseach ensure that this deal is stopped in its tracks and that this message is conveyed clearly to the European Commission? The agriculture sector and beef farmers simply cannot take this mooted deal.

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