Nolan calls on Government to legally challenge Mercosur deal

Independent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, has received an undertaking from Tánaiste Simon Harris to seek an update from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, on the Mercosur trade deal, following Poland’s decision to lodge a formal complaint at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Deputy Nolan raised the matter in the Dáil today (Thursday), where she warned that farmers cannot afford further uncertainty. She also called on the Government to lodge Ireland’s own legal challenge without hesitation.

“I welcome the Tánaiste’s recognition that Ireland shares serious concerns around the Mercosur deal such as the lack of a level playing field, the erosion of food standards, and the environmental risks it poses.

"His commitment to seek an update from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on her recent discussions in Poland is also welcome," Deputy Nolan said.

“Irish beef farmers have been warning this Government for years that Mercosur threatens their livelihoods, our food security and our national interest. Political damage limitation is no longer acceptable. Provisional application begins tomorrow and that means the time for updates is over.

“I am calling once again on the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to follow Poland’s lead immediately, to lodge Ireland’s complaint at the European Court of Justice and use every legal and diplomatic lever available to defend our primary producers.”

“Our farmers deserve principled action, not further delay," Deputy Nolan concluded.