Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the latest Mercosur talks at EU level; the steps he is taking to protect Irish beef farmers by ensuring that beef does not form part of the final Mercosur deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23739/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's position in relation to the EU-Mercosur trade negotiatoins is well-known, and has not changed. We have consistently stressed the importance of avoiding negative consequences for the Irish and EU agriculture sectors, and for the beef sector in particular.

This position has been reiterated many times, for example by myself and my colleague Andrew Doyle at Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings, and by other Ministers in the relevant EU Trade policy fora. It has also been done through direct contacts with Commissioners Hogan and Malmstroem, and by the Taoiseach at European Council and through his own direct contacts, including with Commission President Jean Claude Juncker and French President Emmanuel Macron.

I myself have been very consistent in urging caution in the approach to these negotiations, and have expressed Ireland's very grave concerns about the offer of a beef tariff rate quota of 70,000 tonnes made by the EU to Mercosur last October, and our strong view that this should not be exceeded. I have been working closely with Member State colleagues in this regard, and have also remained in close contact with Commissioner Hogan on the matter.

There have been reports recently of agreement being reached in relation to other aspects of these negotiations. I would be very concerned if progress on these aspects were to lead to further concessions on beef.

I am aware that there will be a further round of negotiations in Montevideo in the week commencing 4th June. In this regard I continue to remain in close contact with European Commission counterparts and with Member State colleagues, and to press Ireland's concerns.

In an overall sense there is undoubtedly a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector.

I will also continue to work very closely with Member State colleagues in this regard. In particular, I believe full account must be taken of the findings of the Commission’s own assessment of the cumulative impact of trade deals on the agri food sector, and the potentially very damaging impact of Brexit on an already delicately balanced EU beef market.