Mercosur deal would be huge blow to Irish producers

As an open economy, Ireland is right to seek opportunities in trade. The prospect of higher penetration of the Japanese and other high-value, deficit markets is something that should be prioritised by our Government.

However, the template for trade deals must have equivalence of standards at its core. Across all products — beef, dairy, pigmeat and poultry — there can be no diminution of this in any negotiations.

Reports from Brussels suggesting that an offer as part of the Mercosur trade talks could be made next month should set alarm bells ringing at the highest levels of government here.