Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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956. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's assessment of the potential implications of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement for Ireland's beef sector; the engagement that has taken place at EU level to ensure that Irish farming standards and competitiveness are safeguarded; and if he will detail any measures under consideration to support Irish beef producers in adapting to increased market pressures, including traceability, sustainability, and fair competition provisions. [48549/25]

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.

Pending the 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 and did so most recently at the Informal AgriFish Council meeting in Copenhagen on 7-8 September.