Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the Mercosur and EU trade deal talks trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21994/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I conveyed our Government's serious reservations about the decision to re-engage in negotiations with Mercosur directly to Commissioner Ciolos when I spoke to him on Monday, 17 May. In my discussion with him, I expressed our deep concerns over the decision to re launch the negotiations and the threat which these negotiations could pose for Irish and European agriculture, at a time of great sensitivity in the context of discussions on the CAP post 2013, and in the context of the significant challenges already facing the sector.

Ireland has been to the forefront in urging caution in relation to the resumption of these talks. Having sought the inclusion of Mercosor as an AOB point for the Agriculture Council, Ireland helped to draft a joint paper which was co-signed by France, Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary and Poland, raising concerns on the resumption of the talks, the possible concessions on agriculture that will be required to achieve an agreement and seeking clarification and assurances in relation to any future talks. The concerns expressed in that joint paper were also echoed by many other member states in the Council.

At the Agriculture Council, we highlighted the serious losses for European agriculture and the greater market access concessions that could result from an EU/Mercusor Free Trade Agreement. The importance of agriculture as the largest indigenous manufacturing industry in the context of Ireland's economic recovery was stressed. The impact such an agreement would have on the beef sector and in particular on the high quality beef cuts market in the EU was detailed in our intervention. I have specifically requested a detailed analysis from the Commission of the social, economic and environmental impacts of the anticipated outcome of these negotiations, a request supported by many Member States in the Council.

While the talks have been re-launched, it is in effect a reopening of talks that were originally opened a number of years ago but which were effectively suspended in 2004 after 16 rounds of negotiations, arising from major differences between the two sides in terms of expectations across a range of headings including industrial goods, agriculture, services and intellectual property. Doubts still remain among many Member States that there is a sound basis for a positive engagement or outcome in these talks.