“Dáil rejection of Mercusor deal an sends an important message that must not be ignored” – Matt Carthy MEP

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has welcomed the passing of a Sinn Féin Dáil private members motion rejecting the disastrous Mercosur trade deal.

The Dáil is the first parliament in Europe to reject the deal which would have a huge negative impact on the Irish beef sector, rural communities, the environment and the wider Irish economy.

Matt Carthy said:

“The Dáil’s rejection of Mercosur is hugely significant and gives clear direction to the Government that it must do all in its power to stop this deal.

“I hope that other parliaments across Europe follow suit and that the European Commission accepts that this type of trade deal is not acceptable.

“Sinn Féin is disappointed with the Government’s approach so far, they have shown no commitment to fight Mercosur, despite the devastating implications for Irish farmers and the economy of rural Ireland.

“This was underlined by the Taoiseach’s nomination of Phil Hogan, who failed to defend Ireland’s interests in the Mercosur negations, as Ireland’s next European Commissioner.

“There is agreement among all of the main farming organisations, and among Dáil opposition parties, and it seems among several members of the Cabinet, that this is a bad deal for farmers, for the Irish economy and it is a dreadful deal for climate change.

“Today’s Dáil motion clearly directs the government to vote against the deal at European Council and to use all legal and political means available to ensure that this deal is rejected.

“I commend the Sinn Féin Dáil team for securing support for this motion. An important message has been delivered that cannot be ignored by our government or the European Commission. The battle against Mercosur made significant progress today.”

ENDS