Minister Coveney has expressed strong concerns over the latest developments in relation to the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations.

He revealed he has followed up earlier contacts between trade commissioner Malmström and himself and cabinet colleague Richard Bruton by writing to her on Wednesday voicing his opposition. “Instead of including tariff rate quotas at this stage, as appears to be the intention, we must ensure that the treatment of sensitive products is handled at the appropriate point in the negotiation process,” he said, citing TTIP, “where they were deferred.” Ireland is joining with France and others in rasing the issue at Monday’s ministerial council meeting, Minister Coveney confirmed.

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