The position of communities right across the State is clear when it comes to the Mercosur trade deal. It will be bad for Irish farming, it will be bad for the environment and it will be bad for people's health. Last week in the European Parliament we had a clear opportunity to show Irish MEPs are united in our opposition to the deal. Brazil and Argentina are the world's top GMO and pesticide users. This includes GMOs and pesticides that have been banned in the EU for health reasons. The motion highlighted concerns over the use of GMOs and pesticides. Fine Gael MEPs failed to support the motion while Fianna Fáil MEPs could not work out if they were for it or opposed to it. We have constantly heard Fianna Fáil claiming it will oppose the Mercosur trade deal. Why was that not the case last week in the European Parliament? Will Fianna Fáil's opposition to the trade deal be just another broken election promise?

In the context of the European Parliament - I did not see the exact motion by the way - we do not impose the same rigid discipline on public representatives generally that the Deputy's party might because they have to look at the broad range of issues. Motions can be long and they can be this and that. We are against the Mercosur deal on the basis that we have asked our farmers to reduce emissions by approximately 25%. We have probably one of the most carbon-efficient dairy and beef industries. There is a real issue, therefore, of us importing food produce that is less carbon-efficient or that is using a less carbon-efficient model. There is a broader trade issue, though. Ireland, ultimately, is in favour of free trade. That is why we want the Canadian free trade deal enacted because free trade can enable other companies to export to places where they increase jobs. These are never simplistic issues. On that basic issue, however, we are opposed to Mercosur.