Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I acknowledge the Deputies who tabled the motion and the genuine debate we have had here this evening. The Government recognises the real depth of concern surrounding the proposed EU Mercosur agreement. In particular, those concerns relate to Irish agriculture and our rural economy as well as the importance of ensuring sustainable adequate environmental protections. For these reasons, and in acknowledgement of the very important points that have been raised here this evening, the Government does not oppose the motion and I fully support that.

Personally, I am very familiar with the various iterations of EU Mercosur agreements, having spent 15 years in the European Parliament, and I opposed the various proposals put forward over many years on a number of grounds. These ranged from the potentially negative effects on the Irish beef trade to the destruction of part of the Amazon forest as well as, of course, crucially highlighting different production standards alongside the issue of compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. This is why my Independent colleagues and I, when we signed up to the programme for Government, insisted that the Government oppose the current deal. In this regard, I want to quote exactly what the programme for Government states. It states the Government commits to "Work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal." Those listening to the contribution of the Minister, Deputy Heydon, at the beginning of the debate will have heard him say the Departments of foreign affairs and agriculture were continuing to examine the proposals in detail and would continue to engage with the European Commission to ensure Ireland's concerns were fully taken on board.

However, he goes on to say that, pending that examination and the completion of the ongoing engagement, Ireland's position on the EU Mercosur agreement remains as clearly outlined in the programme for Government, which is, I reiterate, to work "with like-minded countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur deal." I fully support this position and recognise and applaud the efforts of the Minister for agriculture and our Tánaiste in defending that position. Just yesterday, the Minister held bilateral meetings on the margins of the Council meeting with our Italian and French counterparts.

If this agreement were to be adopted, it would require a qualified majority vote in the Council and a simple majority vote in the European Parliament. We can see this process is ongoing. I say again that Ireland is committed to implementing what is in the programme for Government. That is what the Minister, Deputy Heydon, said and I am happy to reiterate it as a representative of the Independent group in Government.

Some Deputies have complained loudly about other Deputies not being here. That is a cheap shot and we all know it. I am here to represent those Deputies. Looking around, some of the Deputies who complained are no longer with us.

As mentioned by the Minister, Deputy Heydon, the broader international trade context is also important for Ireland. Trade and our international partnerships have always been fundamental to our economic model. Within that framework, we continue to advocate for solutions that are fair, sustainable and reflective of our values. That is both for Ireland and our EU trading partners.

Ireland has long championed free, fair and open trade. This has been central to our economic model and our farming community would absolutely support that position. Our EU membership connects us to a growing network of best-in-class free trade agreements, which support jobs, facilitate investment and uphold stringent EU standards in food safety, plant and animal health. They also advance environmental and human rights protections globally. We know that trade is essential to securing prosperity, sustaining employment and attracting investment. When new agreements are balanced and fair, it is in Ireland's interest to ratify them swiftly but, as emphasised by the Minister, Deputy Heydon, balance is always key. That remains central to the Government's approach.

The European Commission presented its final package on 3 September. Ireland repeatedly raised our concerns about climate, biodiversity and deforestation, as well as the need for strong protections and assurances for the incomes of Irish farmers. We have always been clear that such agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that farmers' livelihoods must not be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries. As I said, this position is clearly outlined in the programme for Government, which we signed up to. I will again repeat that it states that Ireland will "Work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur deal." That has not changed. I am happy to say that here today.

I assure the Dáil that the Government, including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and other Ministers, as well as officials, have continued to engage actively at EU level with both the European Commission and counterparts in member states, including like-minded countries, to voice our concerns and interrogate the outcomes of these negotiations. This engagement has been essential in assessing whether the agreement adequately addresses Ireland's priorities and to our efforts to negotiate more favourable outcomes. In terms of the overall package, it is important to say that this engagement is ongoing.

Any reasonable observer will agree that the Irish Government has worked strongly and assiduously to build and be part of that blocking minority. The Tánaiste and the Minister for agriculture had many discussions with like-minded countries in recent months. Those discussions continue. It is also important to say that for Ireland, there would be significant opportunities in software and telecoms services, financial services, engineering, life services, food and beverages and education. However, serious concerns remain about agriculture. They are crucial for me. Once again, I come back to what we committed to in the programme for Government.

This agreement has dealt with many of the issues raised by some of my colleagues about labour rights, sustainable production, women's economic empowerment and more. Crucially, the Paris Agreement would become an essential element of the deal, enforceable through dispute settlement and allowing for the suspension of the agreement in cases of serious breach. In that spirit, the Government will continue to engage constructively and assiduously with other member states and the Commission in the following weeks as we seek to ensure the best possible outcome for Ireland in the final vote.

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