Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1985. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been discussions recently at the EU agriculture Council on the need to protect the agrifood sector in Ireland in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34886/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1986. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions recently with the EU agriculture and trade Commissioners on the need to protect the agrifood sector in Ireland in negotiations on a possible Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34887/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1985 and 1986 together.
Ireland's position in relation to the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations is well known and has not changed. We have consistently opposed any agreement that would have negative consequences for the Irish and EU agriculture sectors, and for the beef sector in particular.
This position has been reiterated many times, for example by myself and my colleague Andrew Doyle at Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings, and by other Ministers in the relevant EU Trade policy fora. It has also been done through direct contacts with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström, and by the Taoiseach at European Council and through his own direct contacts, including with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and French President Emmanuel Macron. I speak to Commissioner Hogan on a regular basis on the matter, and have been in written correspondence with Commissioner Malmström as recently as the end of May.
All of this work at political level is mirrored by intensive engagement at official level by officials of my Department, most recently through the Special Committee on Agriculture on 2 July, and through more informal channels in Brussels.
In an overall sense there remains an urgent need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector.
