It's been confirmed that Ireland will appose the Mercosur trade agreement.
It's reported that several Independent ministers and TDs within the coalition, including Sligo-Leitrim's Marian Harkin, had wanted the Government to continue to oppose the agreement.
In a statement, Tánaiste Simon Harris said the Government's position on Mercosur "has always been clear" in that it did not support the deal in the form in which it was presented.
The EU is due to vote on the arrangement on Friday, which would increase trade opportunities between Europe and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
The Taoiseach says huge progress has been made in relation to the deal, but says he doesn't have confidence that Irish farmers won't be under pressure if the deal goes through.
Speaking in China, Micheál Martin told reporters that Ireland will vote no:
