Cowen welcomes Government's stance on Mercosur deal

Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen has welcomed confirmation that the Irish Government will vote against the Mercosur trade deal in Brussels tomorrow (Friday).

"I’ve always been clear, when this comes before Parliament, I too will oppose it. The principle of protecting the quality, food safety and environmental standards upheld by Irish farmers has to come first.

"At the same time, if this deal proceeds through Qualified Majority Vote, which it may well do still, I’m glad to see the Taoiseach acknowledge the amendments I brought forward, amendments that strengthen safeguards for farmers and address real concerns on standards and fairness.

"That work matters, and I’ll keep fighting for Irish agriculture in the months to come in my role representing Parliament’s position in negotiations around the next Common Agricultural Policy," MEP Cowen stated.