Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like everyone in this House, I am very aware of the pressures beef farmers and the wider beef industry are under at the moment as a result of low prices, competition from other countries, and climate change. At the same time, the industry is heavily protected through trade restrictions and tariffs. It is one of the most subsidised industries in the country.

When it came to the trade deals with Japan and Canada, we had to consider what is best for the country in the round, not just economically, but also in terms of social policy, because other sectors may benefit considerably from such a deal. We have particular concerns over a very sensitive sector, which is the beef sector. As a consequence of that I wrote a letter to President Juncker, the President of France and leaders in a number of other countries, expressing our strong objections to aspects of the deal, particularly as it affects the beef industry. That is on the public record, having been published last week.

On the particular issue of trade deals being ratified, my understanding is that any trade agreement is an exclusive EU competence and therefore would not require ratification of the Dáil unless it is a mixed deal. However, I will get clarity on that and reply to the Deputy later.

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