'They have grave concerns, and I believe their concerns are warranted' - Smyth

Minister Niamh Smyth said she fully supports the decision by Government to vote against the Mercosur Trade Agreement tomorrow.

A decision on the trade deal is expected to be made in Brussels tomorrow. A loose coalition of countries had coalesced in recent months to oppose the deal, meeting the EU 35% threshold to block its passage. However, with Italy now expected to support the Mercosur, it's likely to pass despite the protests in France.

Thus if Italy maintains its support, Ireland voting against Mercosur is likely to be in vain.

However Minister Smyth said it was the correct decision, “This agreement is not progressive for Irish Farmers and goes against everything we adhere to in this country. The standards of our Irish beef are top class, and I have expressed my opposition to this deal with the Taoiseach on numerous occasions for fear that any such deal would pose a threat to the beef market here.

“I am not satisfied with the current safeguard mechanisms that have been drawn up by the EU Commission and I have public health concerns around those. It is my firm belief that this deal is counterproductive to the excellent standards of Irish farm produce particularly the beef sector.”

She said that local farmers and officials from farming bodies have contacted her offices in Cavan and Monaghan in recent months regarding Mercosur.

“They have grave concerns, and I believe their concerns are warranted. I have been in discussions with our Local MEP Barry Cowen and the Taoiseach continuously in recent months expressing these concerns and I am glad today that the Government has made the decision to oppose this deal in its present form,” continued Minister Smyth.

“Mercosur in its present format is too loose and its health and economic impact could spell disaster for Irish farmers. Therefore, I am pleased that our government are standing by our commitment on Mercosur in the Programme for Government and voting against it. I want to conclude by thanking farmers for contacting me and speaking to me about your concerns on this vital deal,” concluded Minister Niamh Smyth.