Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the Government’s decision to vote NO on the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement, describing it as the right decision for Irish agriculture, food safety and rural communities.

Minister Canney said opposition to Mercosur has been a clear and consistent position of the Independent Ministers and TDs since the formation of the Government, and one they insisted be reflected in the Programme for Government.

He said the decision follows direct and sustained engagement he had, in his role as Leader, with the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on behalf of the Independent Ministers and TDs, where he made clear that Ireland could not support the agreement in its current form.

“As Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, I made it clear that a YES vote, or an abstention, was not acceptable and would undermine Irish farmers and our Programme for Government commitments,” Minister Canney said.

He said as a group, the Independent Ministers and TDs, also engaged extensively with farming organisations and industry representatives.

“We have been in ongoing engagement with the President of the IFA, other farming organisations and representatives of the beef processing sector,” he said. “Those discussions reinforced our view that Mercosur is a bad deal for Irish beef producers and would seriously damage a sector that is vital to rural communities and the wider economy.”

While noting that the European Union secured additional measures during negotiations, Minister Canney said these fell well short of what Ireland requires.

“The proposals fail to adequately address concerns around food safety, agricultural standards, animal welfare and the long-term sustainability of Irish farming,” he said. “Irish farmers produce food to some of the highest standards in the world, and it is not acceptable to expose them to competition from imports that do not meet those standards.”

Minister Canney said food safety was a central issue throughout the Independents’ engagement.

“Ireland’s reputation for safe, high-quality food is a national asset. Any trade agreement that risks weakening food safety or consumer confidence is not in Ireland’s interest.”
He concluded by saying the Government’s stance sends a clear signal at EU level.

“This decision shows Ireland will stand firm in defending national interests, protecting Irish agriculture and upholding environmental and food safety standards. I welcome that the firmly held view of the Independents is now reflected in the Government’s decision to vote NO.”