Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the question of Ireland's current position on the Mercosur deal. While I was glad to see that the programme for Government contained commitments to fighting it, I was shocked and disappointed when the Irish Independent reported that Ireland did not turn up to a meeting of other EU nations, led by France, which are also committed to fighting the current deal. I call for the Taoiseach to appear before the Chamber to answer for this incident and to clarify the Government's stance and the plan for fighting the current Mercosur deal. This deal spells ruination for Irish farmers, especially our cattle sector, which simply cannot compete with the sheer scale of South American industrial battery farming. The vote is likely to be held by this autumn. We cannot play it coy and put any action on the long finger.

The Government says it wants the deal to contain biodiversity clauses for South American nations, but as they have repeatedly ignored and falsified their way past similar regulations, this will be a suicidal compromise. Free trade with South America will inevitably spell a race to the bottom for our economy. Poland and France have committed to opposing the deal. Italy has signalled against it and Austria is on the fence. Our decision as a nation will be decisive in forming the blocking minority needed to fight the deal. Instead, our Government appears to be out to lunch while others are actively organising in defence of their farmers. We must hold the Government to its promises because, at this rate, it looks likely it will let itself be pushed over, which will sell out our constituents and farmers once again.