Page 121 of the programme for Government relates to trade negotiations. I, along with other rural Deputies, have raised serious concerns about a potential Mercosur trade deal, which could have serious negative effects on the beef producers and public health due to the lack of proper standards and traceability of this beef coming into the EU. Negotiations are ongoing this week regarding this matter. What reassurances has the Government received from the EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan, that Europe will not sell out and allow South American beef into the EU in return for car exports in South America?

As the Deputy will be aware, negotiations are now under way. Having a trade deal between the EU and Mercosur involving those countries in South America would be beneficial to our economy in the round, as it would be for their economies, but we have a particular sensitivity around the beef sector. As I said at the IFA AGM, without its beef sector, Ireland would not be Ireland and we are very keen to protect that sector from unfair competition from South America.

I have met Commissioner Hogan. We meet regularly as the Deputy knows. I also met Commissioner Katainen, who is dealing with this. In Davos I met Commissioner Vestager and President Macri, the President of Argentina. I stated to them in no uncertain terms that we do not agree with any proposal by the European Commission to increase the quota for beef that is being suggested.