Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of Mercosur talks. [6232/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The EU Mercusor negotiations have not progressed sufficiently recently to the point where any agreement is likely to be concluded. Apart from the well-known sensitivities in relation to Mercosur beef access to the EU market, other outstanding issues include cars, rules of origin, geographical indications, maritime services and EU dairy access to the Mercosur market.

From an Irish perspective, we have been very consistent in urging caution in the approach to these negotiations. Our position has been reiterated many times, for example by myself and by my colleague, Minister of State 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 have also been working closely with Member State colleagues in this regard, and have remained in close contact with Commissioner Hogan on the matter.

At the moment there are no new rounds scheduled, with the most recent having taken place in Montevideo from 10-13 December 2018. However, I will continue to remain in close contact with the European Commission and with Member State colleagues, in order to reinforce 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 also continue to stress that 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.