Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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91. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will oppose the proposed deal between the European Union and the South American Mercosur trade bloc to allow thousands of tons of cheap South American beef into the European Union; his views on the effectiveness of the regulations governing traceability and inspections regarding health and safety over the past 30 years; on the system in place in South America; if he will assure the public that public health and safety will not be put at risk because of the importation of this beef; if the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Phil Hogan, will be of help in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9069/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have been very active in recent months in highlighting the potentially very damaging impact of a Mercosur deal on the European agriculture sector, and on the beef sector in particular. I have continuously raised the issue with Commissioners Malmström and Hogan, both within and outside the Council of Agriculture Ministers. I also continue to monitor the situation closely in co-operation with my Member State colleagues, as well as with my Government colleagues, particularly the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Taoiseach. These efforts are being reinforced at official level through similar contacts with other Member States and with the Commission, particularly through the Special Committee on Agriculture and the Trade Policy Committee.

In the course of such contacts I have pointed out that an exchange of offers is premature, and that any movement in these negotiations must be undertaken with great caution, and following a period of careful reflection and analysis. This analysis must take into account the cumulative impact of concessions granted under other FTAs and the current forecasts for EU beef consumption. I am also trying to ensure that tariff rate quotas are not dealt with at this early stage of the negotiations, and that when they are ultimately addressed, it will be in a manner that mitigates to the maximum possible extent the potential impact on the beef sector.

Finally, it is of course the intention of the European Commission to ensure that public health and safety will not be put at risk as a result of the import of beef or any other product into the EU as a result of these or any other negotiations. This position is supported by all Member States, including Ireland.