The Labour Party will support the motion from Sinn Féin. I thank Deputy Martin Kenny for bringing it forward. I stood on the floor of the Dáil with my colleague, Deputy Lawlor, when Deputy Kenny brought a motion on the Mercosur trade deal forward on 18 November. It is a shame that we have to speak about it again in the Chamber. It is one of the most important trade agreements that will ever happen in this country. The Mercosur agreement, which has been pushed aggressively by Fine Gael's European People's Party, would throw Irish farmers to the wolves. It would open the door to 99,000 tonnes of South American beef entering the European market, directly undercutting Irish producers which already operate on tight margins and have to meet the highest standards in the world. Irish farming is the standard bearer for production and quality of produce. Irish farmers have made strenuous efforts to reduce their carbon footprints in line with Government policy and are doing their best to help us meet our legally binding climate targets. They have rightful concerns about their livelihoods and the value of their produce under this proposed deal. I am concerned about the impact that an inadequately regulated market for beef from South America will have on workers' rights and also on the environment in Mercosur countries. We must be cognisant of workers' rights in all trade deals, no matter where in the world they are. What should benefit workers in Europe should benefit workers in South America. The agricultural and farming sector holds a particular importance in rural Ireland. Our local economies have grown around the sector. Traditionally, local supermarkets were established to provide services and produce products for local people who were employed in creameries, co-ops and State agencies. Those of us who live and have grown up in rural Ireland know well the importance of agriculture. While rural economies have grown and diversified, we know the vital role agriculture has in our local economies. I have serious concerns about this deal, as do many people throughout the country. We are talking about cheap importation. The deal does not meet the EU's green and food safety standards. While it does include commitments on the environment, including to prevent further deforestation after 2030, Friends of the Earth have called this deal "climate-wrecking", stating it would lead to increased deforestation as Mercosur countries would sell far more produce and raw materials sourced from forest areas, including the Amazon.

Sentiment score: 0.25