Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a question right now about who benefits most from the proposed trade deal between the EU and New Zealand. This is a valid question to ask because while the EU Commission can talk of both trading partners being winners from reduced tariffs that open up the opportunities for exporters, when New Zealand's top exports are red meat, sheep meat and its imports comprise industrial goods generally, the export benefits for Ireland's agricultural industry seem very limited indeed.

Our family farmers are facing increased costs to produce their goods, and we all know that from what is happening. If New Zealand's beef, sheep meat and dairy are to enter our markets, with the additional injection from this agreement, with these very products coming from elsewhere, demand could fall and prices could be suppressed. A socioeconomic and environmental impact assessment for this proposed deal must be carried out. Our farmers cannot be left to deal with the consequences of what could be a badly arranged deal.

See this speech in context