Longford TD insists impact of Mercosur deal on our economy needs to be 'looked at'

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy has said the Mercosur deal as it stands 'is going to have a 'negative impact' on the Irish agricultural sector' and the impact on the Irish economy needs to be 'looked at'.

The Fine Gael representative made the comments as a large number of Longford farmers prepare to protest in Athlone on Saturday over the contentious trade agreement.

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The IFA has said the deal is unfair due to the difference in standards between the EU and South America and progressively removing duties on the majority of goods traded between the two blocs would create an 'uneven playing field'.

The national community protest against the Mercosur trade deal, organised by Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly and his Independent Ireland party colleague Michael Fitzmaurice TD, is taking place at 11am.

Deputy Carrigy said there is a commitment in the Programme for Government that they would not agree to support the Mercosur deal as it was at the time.

"I believe the deal as it stands is going to have a negative impact on the Irish agricultural sector.

"We need to look at what way it is going to affect the Irish economy and the increase in the importation of what is not near as good a quality of a beef product.

"We can see a poor quality product being brought into the country but also, one that is not as traceable as the premium quality product that we have."

There was some criticism last month from beef farmers in relation to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Government's decision to include the nitrates derogation and the Mercosur trade deal as part of the same negotiating package.

However, Deputy Carrigy has stated the nitrates derogation extension has no impact on Mercosur.

"One was dealt with by agricultural ministers, by Mercosur, it's a trade deal across various parts of the economy but particularly for us here in Ireland it's the increase import and the changes in the levies for importing beef into Europe.

"We have to protect our agricultural sector, it's the cornerstone of our rural economy and we have to make sure that we protect that.

"The commitment we gave in the Programme for Government was that the deal as it was we would not support it.

"We were working with other like-minded countries against it in that format but as far as I'm concerned that was a separate issue that was dealt with."

In relation to the nitrates derogation, Deputy Carrigy said it was positive they "have three years to make further improvements in water quality in the country, to look for an extension".

Mr Mullooly and Roscommon-Galway TD Mr Fitzmaurice with the backing of major farming organisations, called for a National Rally to send a 'clear and unified message' to the Coalition Government that Irish farmers and farm families say 'No to Mercosur'.

The protest will include a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town, crossing the river Shannon and ending in a rally in the indoor sports arena at the Technological University of The Shannon (formerly AIT -Athlone Regional Technical College ) on the old Dublin road.

Stewards will be on attendance on all approach roads to the town and all vehicles will be asked to park up on holding areas on the approach routes until the protest begins.

Mr Mullooly said political pressure is 'mounting' on the Government over its position on the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, which is now entering its final ratification stage.

"The Programme for Government contains a clear commitment to oppose the Mercosur deal.

"That position is coming under renewed scrutiny now as France leads a growing coalition of EU member states campaigning to block the agreement."

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Mr Mullooly said European Parliament, opposition is also hardening.

"Many Irish MEPs have now publicly stated they will vote against Mercosur, following the recent and powerful farmers’ protests in Brussels."