Government still falling short on blocking Mercosur
ICSA have said that the Irish Government should stop dragging their feet when it comes to opposing Mercosur. File picture
Last night’s Dáil debate calling for the Government to take a clear stance against Mercosur offered little reassurance, says the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA).
The ICSA President, Sean McNamara, said the debate offered little reassurance that the Government is prepared to do what is necessary to stop the Mercosur trade agreement.
“ICSA was deeply disappointed with the response from Minister Heydon, who delivered a prepared speech and then left the chamber, even as many TDs continued to speak in solidarity with farmers and to make clear their opposition to this deal,” he said.
Mr McNamara was speaking from Brussels, where he was leading an ICSA delegation in meetings with MEPs to galvanise opposition to the Mercosur deal.
Continuing, Mr McNamara said: “While the Minister did not oppose last night’s motion, attendees were left with the strong impression that the Government is still not doing nearly enough to build a blocking minority against this deal.
Calling for action, Mr McNamara said: “The solidarity shown by TDs last night was welcome. But what we need now is action. The government must urgently step up, do the work with like-minded Member States, and build the blocking minority required at the EU Council level. That’s the job at hand, and they need to stop dragging their feet.”
Mr McNamara explained that the ICSA are present in Brussels in an effort to rally opposition to the trade agreement, meeting with MEPs and making it clear ICSA’s stance opposing Mercosur.
“It undermines Irish and EU climate commitments, it threatens our food security, and it puts family farms in real danger. Ireland must take a firm and unambiguous stand, and it must do it now,” the ICSA President concluded.
