Fianna Fáil spokesperson for agriculture Charlie McConalogue has called for a new impact assessment of the Mercosur deal on the beef sector in the context of Brexit.

“I find it baffling that the Government have failed to request any new impact assessment since 2016,” McConoaogue said.

“Ireland exports around 90% of our beef into the EU marketplace, with half our total exports to the UK every year.

“Currently, the EU beef market is 102% self-sufficient. If the UK leaves the EU, this increases to 116% with excess produce saturating the European market.”

McConologue also commented on rumours of internal strife within Fine Gael between Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan.

“Despite the Fine Gael internal battles, which are an affront to the beef farmers who are on their knees, Minister Creed must immediately request a new assessment from his party colleague Commissioner Hogan,” McConalogue said.

Read more

Not in farmers’ interests to let Hogan out to grass

‘Sitting on my hands is not an option’ – Creed