Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The European Commission reached political agreement in its trade negotiations with the Mercosur countries in June 2019. Due to concerns raised by a number of member states, including Ireland, on the environmental and sustainability provisions included in the original agreement, the Commission and Mercosur have recommenced negotiations on a joint instrument which they hope will address these concerns.

As has been the case throughout the EU-Mercosur negotiations, there continues to be close consultation between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on all issues related to these negotiations.

Ireland has consistently sought for the Commission to ensure that the joint instrument currently being negotiated is comprehensive in its scope. It must include binding commitments on climate change, biodiversity, combating deforestation and labour rights.

Both I and Minister Coveney, as well as the officials in our respective Departments, continue to raise these issues at EU level including at EU Council of Ministers meetings (in both Trade and Agriculture formations).

I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to demand that the final substance of any joint instrument is substantial and robust in addressing the environmental and sustainability concerns we and other member states have. We look forward to further engagement between the Commission and Mercosur in order to try and develop a clear way forward which will satisfy both parties.