I ask the Taoiseach to please continue to support our farmers. I am a rural TD and, together with my local public representatives, like Councillor Tommy Kinsella in Ballinkillen, we have been hearing over and over again about the devastating impact that the Mercosur deal, in its current format, will have on farmers, farm families and rural communities. I stand together with my Fine Gael colleagues in Carlow and Kilkenny in strong opposition to the deal. I am asking the Taoiseach on their behalf to follow through on the commitment in the programme for Government, not only to oppose Mercosur but also to put a pause on the inclusion of beef and poultry as part of the trade deal until European standards are met. As we have seen from evidence across Europe, hormone-filled beef from Brazil has made its way into the food chain in Europe, highlighting that Mercosur in its current format is not just a matter of concern for farmers but poses a huge threat to public health for all of us.

Sentiment score: 0.12