Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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156. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he will present to the EU agriculture Commissioner and the EU trade Commissioner regarding the need to protect farming interests here in negotiations concerning a proposed Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7208/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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From an Irish perspective, we have been very consistent in urging caution in the EU's approach to the Mercosur negotiations, which present a very particular threat to the Irish and European beef sectors in particular.

Our position has been reiterated many times, for example by myself and by my colleague, Minister 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.

With the latest round of negotiations now scheduled for 11-15 March 2019, I and my Department 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.