Government backs down on Mercosur at last
Government backs down on Mercosur at last - The Labour Party
Labour’s Deputy Eoghan Kenny has said that while it is welcome that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have finally confirmed Ireland will vote against the Mercosur trade agreement tomorrow, the Government has acted at the very last possible moment on a deal that threatens Irish farmers and undermines climate action. He called on Ministers to hold the line and oppose this agreement outright at EU level.
Deputy Eoghan Kenny said:
“It is right that Government has confirmed Ireland will vote against the Mercosur deal, but this decision has come far too late in the day. For months, Irish farmers, environmental groups and rural communities have warned about the damage this deal would do, while Government dithered.
“This Mercosur agreement, pushed aggressively by Fine Gael’s European People’s Party, would throw Irish farmers to the wolves. It would open the door to 99,000 tonnes of South American beef entering the European market, directly undercutting Irish producers who already operate on tight margins and who meet some of the highest standards in the world. We know Irish farmers are required to meet strict rules on traceability, animal welfare, and health and safety.
“The environmental consequences of this deal are even more alarming. Beef production in South America accounts for around 65 percent of tropical deforestation. At a time when the climate crisis is accelerating, it is indefensible for the European Union to sign off on a trade deal that incentivises the destruction of vital ecosystems. We cannot lecture the world on climate leadership while actively rewarding deforestation through our trade policy.
“We now need Government to go beyond a last minute announcement and take a firm, consistent position. Ireland must continue to oppose the Mercosur deal in every level and push instead for trade agreements that protect farmers, uphold high standards and align with climate action.”