Lowry voices strong opposition to Mercosur deal
Deputy Lowry said it is a bad deal for the beef industry
North Tipperary TD, Deputy Michael Lowry, has voiced strong opposition to the Mercosur trade deal and supports the government decision to vote no to the deal on Friday.
"From the outset, in the formation of this government, I and my Regional Independent colleagues have been strong in our opposition to the Mercosur Trade Deal and we insisted on our opposition to Mercosur being included in the program for Government," Deputy Lowry said.
"I have consistently stated that Mercosur is a bad deal for the beef industry and would have negative impacts on an industry which is vital for our economy.
"Our Regional Independents group have had a sequence of meetings over the past number of days and communicated to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste our strong view that the Government should vote against Mercosur and its implications.
"I have also been in regular contact with the President of the IFA and other farming groups, and I have been briefed extensively by the beef processing industry on the impact of this trade deal.
"I am pleased that our determination will be reflected in a decision to be taken by Government to vote against this trade deal," Deputy Lowry said.