Ireland will continue to oppose the Mercosur trade deal at an EU vote tomorrow.
The members states are due to decide whether or not to accept the deal, which would increase trade opportunities with countries in South America.
Farmers are warning against the move, saying it will bring low quality beef into the country.
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The chair of the Fine Gael parliamentary party denies claims the Government's hand was forced on the Mercosur deal.
Longford-Westmeath TD Micheál Carrigy said the Government has the best interests of farmers at heart:
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It was reported this week that Independent TDs, including junior minister Michael Healy Rae, could walk away from Government over the deal.
Deputy Carrigy claims this didn't influence the views of those in Fine Gael:
