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LISTEN: Government must have 'liathróidí' to oppose Mercosur deal - Fitzmaurice

Nov 19, 2025 14:09
By Eoghan Murphy
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LISTEN: Government must have 'liathróidí' to oppose Mercosur deal - Fitzmaurice
Michael Fitzmaurice

The Mercosur deal involves an agreement between the EU and four south American countries - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The government has not opposed a Dáil motion calling for a controversial trade deal to be scrapped.

But local TD Claire Kerrane says she's not happy with the Agriculture Minister's stance.

The Mercosur deal involves an agreement between the EU and four south American countries - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

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Irish farmers are concerned because of the amount of beef that would come into Europe, at reduced tariffs, which could affect our industry.

Sinn Féin brought a private members' motion in the Dáil last night, calling on the government to reject the deal.

It's due to be voted on at the European Council next month.

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Sinn Féin's agriculture spokesman, Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny, wants Ireland to vote against it.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon says the government hasn't decided on its position on the deal itself:

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Local TDs weren't satisfied with the minister's response, including Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, from Ballaghaderreen.

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Another Roscommon-Galway TD is Michael Fitzmaurice from Independent Ireland - he had strong words for the Minister also:

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