Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1805. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to ensure that beef, poultry, sugar, and ethanol imports from Mercosur states will be subject to enforceable equivalence in animal welfare, traceability, and climate standards. [46947/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government is clear, whereby it includes a commitment to “work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal”.

Irish and EU farmers are subject to complex regulations requiring them to farm in a sustainable manner, which is why it is difficult to explain to them why preferential access is being given to Mercosur – particularly if we are not satisfied that its farmers are subject to the same requirements.

I note the Commission’s recent announcement of its proposed approach to ratification. As part of this announcement, the Commission have committed to increase the number of audits and checks in third countries and strengthening SPS controls on the ground. It is vital that these standards are vigorously upheld by the Commission to address the concerns of the farming community.

Throughout the negotiations, Ireland also consistently highlighted that the agreement should include legally binding commitments on sustainability, including climate, biodiversity and deforestation protections. 

Intensive engagement by the Commission to explain and justify the details of the final package, both to Member States and to stakeholders, remains vital, given the economic and political sensitivities involved. Trade Commissioner Sefcovic’s commitment to travel to Ireland in October is welcome in that regard.

Pending detailed examination of the Commission’s latest proposals, Ireland’s position remains as clearly outlined in the Programme for Government. 

I will continue to engage with my European counterparts who share our concerns on Mercosur, including at the Informal AgriFish Council meeting in Copenhagen on 7-8 September.