Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
234. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will take guidance from university studies (details supplied) and the position of a union regarding reports that the Mercosur deal fails across the sustainable criteria and that the deal will have serious implications for Irish beef and food standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24551/20]
View answerI recognise that there is still real concern in Ireland about the potential impact of the EU Mercosur agreement, arising, in particular, from the inclusion of a 99,000-tonne tariff rate quota for beef. Throughout the period of negotiation, Ireland consistently sought to minimise the impact of any potential deal on the Irish and European beef sector, and we continue to voice our concerns in this respect.
The issue of standards was also, of course, a major concern throughout the negotiation process and continues to be. To that end, the agreement does ensure that there will be equivalent standards in relation to agricultural production in Mercosur. EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Standards in relation to animal and plant health will not be relaxed in any way - they remain non-negotiable - and the highest EU standards will be applied to all imported goods, especially food.
The agreement also includes a detailed chapter on Sustainability and recognises the need to address the urgent threat of climate change and the role trade has in this regard. It also underscores the importance of both Parties implementing the provisions of the Paris Agreement and promotes the positive contribution of trade to a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions. It is fundamental that these provisions are adhered to by the Mercosur countries for the agreement to progress any further.
The European Commission engaged the London School of Economics to carry out a “Sustainability Impact Assessment” on the agreement, the draft final report of which was published on 8th July 2020. This EU study is being augmented at national level by a whole-of-Government review announced by former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in collaboration with my Department, commissioned the Implement Consulting Group to carry out this Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Ireland. This report is due presently.
The final outcome of both studies, among other factors, will inform Ireland’s approach to the discussions in the coming months, and to the ratification process.
