Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)

I thank Sinn Féin, including Deputy Martin Kenny, for this motion. The Labour Party will be supporting it. On behalf of the Labour Party, I welcome those from the IFA and other farming organisations in the Visitors Gallery.

I am absolutely baffled by the senior Minister’s disappearance, considering that this is one of the biggest debates this Dáil has had since my election to this Chamber and affects so many rural communities and families across this country. It is so disappointing that he went away after ten minutes of absolute waffle.

One of the biggest issues of our time and of my generation is climate change.

Our country and the European Union do not treat this emergency with the necessary urgency it deserves. In areas like housing, transport, data centres and production, climate change is not being treated like an emergency.

Furthermore, the engagement of a trade deal with a region where beef production is responsible for 65% of tropical deforestation is a negative path. Trade deals must serve the environment and climate protection, rather than putting the climate under greater pressure and exposing it to greater destruction. I have grown up hearing constantly from the State, activists and farmers that the distance between farm and fork should be short. We should take pride in local produce and we should strive to buy local and support local. This proposed trade deal flies in the face of that narrative.

Irish farming is not perfect. Farmers themselves will say that. It is, however, a standard bearer in terms of production and quality of produce. Irish farmers have made strenuous efforts to reduce their carbon footprints in line with Government policy and they are doing their best to help us to meet our legally binding climate targets, whether the narrative tells that or not. They have rightful concerns about their livelihoods and the value of their produce under the proposed deal.

I am concerned about the impact that an inadequately regulated market for beef from South America will have on workers’ rights and the environment in Mercosur countries. We must always be cognisant of workers’ rights and conditions in our trade deals, no matter where in the world they are. What should benefit workers in Europe should also benefit workers in South America. We already see the severe destruction of the rainforest and the lagging behind of workers’ rights in agriculture. The fear we have is that a trade deal lacking in these areas is going to create severe problems for both workers and the environment. I am not casting negativity on South American countries. Indeed, the European Union and countries within it, including Ireland, are severely lacking in protections for workers and actions and policies to combat climate change. Perhaps this is why concern is so well founded. The European Union and Mercosur countries do not prioritise ordinary workers and the environment enough.

The beef produced in South America is not subject to the same strict requirements as beef produced in Europe in respect of traceability, animal welfare and health and safety. Beef can be produced cheaper and in greater quantity compared to here. It can also be produced without any regard to environmental standards. I am not opposed to a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries, but I want the trade deals made at this level to benefit workers and ensure that our environment is protected, jobs are not lost and family farms and farmers’ livelihoods are protected. The value of the beef sector in Ireland must also be protected internationally. That is why we would welcome a genuine partnership between the EU and Mercosur, as long as it is built on strong workers’ rights, environmental protection and the security of our farming industry. The proposed deal, however, does not convince me in that regard.

The agriculture and farming sector holds a particular importance in rural Ireland. Our local economies have grown around the sector. Traditionally, our local supermarkets, pubs, cafés and businesses were established initially to provide services and products for local people. Many people have been employed in creameries, co-ops and State agencies or as farm labourers and farmers. Those of us who live and have grown up in rural Ireland know well the importance of agriculture. They do not know that, perhaps, here in the centre of Dublin. While rural economies have grown and diversified, we know the vital role agriculture has in our local economies. We have much pride in our local produce and support for Irish farmers can be found across our communities.

I have serious concerns about this deal, as do the people of north Cork, whom I represent. The farming sector, which contributes hugely to the local economy of north Cork, does too. We need the Irish Government to stand up for standards in food production, environmental protection and workers’ rights and ensure family farms are kept in all trade deals at European level.

To touch on some of the points the Minister made, the EU has made funds available for hardship or losses endured as a result of the Mercosur deal, but it is unclear how difficult it will be to trigger these funds. The Department said the Irish Government should be able to obtain these moneys for farmers who lose out, but speaking before the committee on agriculture, a Department of agriculture official said there would be a high threshold for accessing EU support. They are taking farmers for granted. They are trying a small bit to make them into fools.

What crazes me – I will touch on it very briefly – is an example under the Mercosur deal where EU policy seems inconsistent. Certain pesticides are banned for use in the EU, although EU companies can still manufacture and sell products containing them elsewhere, including to Mercosur countries. Farmers in Mercosur countries could then sell these products, which use these pesticides that are deemed unsafe for the environment and human health, back to Europe. A trade deal with Mercosur would incentivise the expansion of this market.

I absolutely welcome this motion and I am calling out Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for their complete disregard for farmers and rural communities across this country.

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