Talks on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement have stirred strong reactions across Ireland, and government MEPs are making it clear where they stand.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, confirmed that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael representatives in the European Parliament will oppose the deal when it comes up for a vote.
Speaking on Limerick’s Live 95 radio, O’Donovan highlighted that MEPs are “bound” by the programme for government.
This includes following the decision of Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, who has already said he will not support the agreement.
What the Deal Entails
On Friday, EU envoys gave provisional approval to the trade deal, which involves Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
However, the agreement still requires final approval from the European Parliament before it can take effect.
The deal has faced strong opposition from multiple sides.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has been particularly vocal, while internal government disagreements have also emerged.
Even some independents who helped form the coalition have expressed concerns.
Farmers and Public Health Concerns
IFA President Francie Gorman described the provisional approval as “very disappointing.”
He emphasized that the Irish Government is not alone in expressing doubts about the deal and its potential impact on farmers and public health.
“The Commission cannot ignore the scale of the opposition to the deal,” Gorman said, pointing to widespread unease over the trade arrangement.
Green Party Weighs In
Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has criticized the agreement as “unfair.”
He explained that Irish farmers face competition from imports raised under lower welfare standards.
At the same time, consumers could be exposed to beef produced using high levels of hormones and pesticides, creating both economic and safety concerns.
Government and Parliamentary Response
The Government made it clear on Thursday that it will not support the trade deal in its current form.
O’Donovan added that MEPs had been involved in programme for government negotiations, which outlined how the coalition would approach opposition to Mercosur.
He described a Parliamentary Party meeting held Thursday night as “an opportunity for our TDs, senators, and MEPs to voice their concern” about the agreement.
Public Protests on the Horizon
Public pushback is expected to continue.
A protest against the Mercosur deal is scheduled to take place in Athlone on Saturday, signaling that resistance is not limited to politicians and farm groups.
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