Business Minister Heather Humphreys: Mercosur deal ‘isn’t all bad’

Business Minister Heather Humphreys has said the Mercosur deal “isn’t all bad” for Ireland and that there will be significant benefits for some sectors. As the Government scrambles to address a backlash over the EU’s €90bn trade deal with South American countries, ministers are trying to allay fears, saying it will be years before it takes effect.
The controversial deal, which will allow an estimated 99,000 tonnes of beef to be imported from South American countries into the EU annually, will be debated in the Dáil tomorrow. Statements will be delivered by ministers as well as Opposition parties, but the Government has not agreed to a Fianna Fáil request for a full emergency debate on the issue.