Written answers

Monday, 8 September 2025

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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583. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has assessed the potential budgetary exposure of Ireland under any proposed EU compensation or adjustment fund for farmers affected by the EU-Mercosur trade agreement; and if he will publish this assessment. [46953/25]

Photo of Ken O'FlynnKen O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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584. To ask the Minister for Finance if Ireland will be required to contribute to the financing of the proposed €3 billion EU package for agriculture linked to the Mercosur agreement; and the proportion of this liability that will fall on the Irish taxpayer. [46954/25]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 584 together.

I am advised that the European Commission has on 3 September presented its final package on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). This package includes the consolidated text of the original agreement negotiated in 2019 and the additional legal instrument addressing trade and sustainability commitments which was agreed last December.

The European Commission has been clear that it stands ready to address any market disturbance related to the EU-Mercosur Agreement with financial support, if this is required. This was a political commitment at the time of the finalisation of the negotiations in 2019 and one that Government will continue to insist upon.

My officials will assess any proposals that emerge regarding any EU compensation or adjustment fund for farmers affected by the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. I am not aware of any specific financing proposal to date linked to the Mercosur agreement. If such a proposal is financed from the EU budget, Ireland will contribute in line with our EU budget contributions.

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