Kilkenny TD 'shocked' at Dublin Mercosur briefing

The impact of Mercosur on Irish beef farmers is ‘clearly not a concern for the EU Commission,’ according to Natasha Newsome Drennan, Sinn Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny.

The Kilkenny woman was speaking after a meeting between Oireachtas members and representatives of the EU Commission on the Mercosur Trade Agreement in Leinster House.

“I was shocked by their attitude and at the utter lack of regard or concern expressed by the EU Commission representatives for Irish beef farmers,” Deputy Newsome Drennan said.

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“I outlined how, across Ireland and the EU, farmers and those working in the agri food sector adhere to the highest of environmental and animal welfare regulations. Putting our produce at a world class standard – but this comes at a cost to the producer. Farmers that are already struggling with rising costs.

Concerns
“I raised several concerns with the EU Commission representatives, such as concerns around the present of banned hormones in this imported beef and that the Irish beef sector could lose up to €130m.

“I asked what has been done to address concerns that cheaper imports from Mercosur countries will destabilise and uncut EU farmers and putting livelihoods at risk.
“We need to see the Irish Government taking a firm stand against Mercosur and start standing up for Irish farmers.”