The Minister knows there has been huge concern for many years about the potential impact the Mercosur trade agreement would have, in particular for Irish farmers. I would appreciate if he could outline to the House the engagements he has had at an EU level in respect of the Mercosur trade agreement.
Sentiment score: 0.77
The difficulty is that a predecessor of the Minister's agreed at European Council level to opening the negotiating mandate. It was at that point that the original sin in respect of Mercosur was committed because, since then, we have been on the back foot. Even now, as the Minister rightly outlines, he has to work with others across the European Union. There is a very real threat his voice will be a minority one and, because of the qualified majority voting rules, he will not be in a position to block this. There has been a Commission proposal for a regulation to strengthen protections for farmers. I do not believe it does what it says on the tin because it requires that there be a threat of serious injury to the sector before an investigation is even launched. This is after the Mercosur agreement comes in. Is the Minister using any other leverage? There are other things countries that might not be as concerned about Mercosur might want and need Ireland to vote with them on other issues. Is the Minister using those levers to ensure that we kill this deal dead?
Sentiment score: -0.10
I would love to hear an argument being put forward by an agriculture Minister anywhere that would suggest that the Mercosur trade agreement would benefit farmers in any part of Europe. This is more about auto parts and the car industry rather than anything else. In terms of what it means for Ireland, this allows Mercosur states, which do not adhere to anywhere near the same level of regulations and restrictions with which our farmers must comply, to import 100,000 tonnes of additional beef into our market. We know the impact that would have on the Irish beef sector, which is trying to diversify and find new markets post Brexit. It also allows for 180,000 tonnes of poultry. That will have a big impact on my constituency, which has a vibrant poultry sector. I am not sure where there would be a net export from any particular region. Some wine regions may see some benefit in it but the truth of the matter is the economic rationale for supporting Mercosur is not based on support for farmers. In fact, it is counterintuitive from an environmental perspective and also in the context of a situation where the CAP budget itself is under threat. This could be existential for the family farm model as we know it.
Sentiment score: 0.13
108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of land afforested in each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; his target for afforestation in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54991/25]
Sentiment score: 0.01
In respect of afforestation rates and the amount of land that has been afforested in the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025, what is the target for this year and how does the Minister of State intend to increase substantially the level of afforestation in line with Government commitments?
Sentiment score: 0.71
The Minister of State can be absolutely assured he will have my support if he implements a policy and a strategy that actually deliver on the ambition that is required. The previous Government set a target for 8,000 ha per annum over the lifetime of the Government. It did not come close. It did not even reach half that in any single year, despite the fact that we had a Green Party Minister telling us it was a priority. The Minister of State and I were on this side of the Chamber lambasting the target of 8,000 ha and the failure to reach it. Now, the Minister of State is asking me to cheer him on when he tells me he has a target this year of 3,000 ha. Perhaps he can outline-----
Sentiment score: 0.27
Of course it is.
Sentiment score: 0.00
Yes.
Sentiment score: 0.40
I can say it is better this year compared with the worst year ever on record. I absolutely welcome that things are not further deteriorating but we are basically back to where we were in 2020 in terms of afforestation rates. My question and my appeal to the Minister of State is to be ambitious and not just set a target which should be set, but meet it and work with members of the Opposition. Let the Minister of State not fall for the old trap of his predecessors and think that he knows everything just because he is on that side of the House. Work with us and let us deliver the forestry they have worked-----
Sentiment score: -0.01