Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
463. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the most recent engagement he and his Department have had with the EU Commission with respect to the European Union and Mercosur states trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52489/23]
View answerThe 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 emphasised to the Commission that the joint instrument currently being negotiated is comprehensive in its scope. It must include commitments on climate change, biodiversity, combating deforestation and labour rights. This is a point I consistently raised at the Agri-Fish Council of Ministers, most recently at the September meeting and also during my meeting with French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau during his recent visit to Ireland.
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).
