ICSA president Sean McNamara has expressed deep concern over reports that the Mercosur Trade Deal could be split into two parts to speed up its approval through the European Union, bypassing national parliaments. “This splitting of the deal is being orchestrated at the EU Commission level, led by Ursula von der Leyen, a known supporter of the Mercosur Trade Deal. It would allow the trade-related aspects, such as tariffs and import quotas, to be presented to the EU Council in a way that requires only a qualified majority for approval - avoiding the need for unanimity - and therefore cutting out national parliaments altogether,” he said.

“This is nothing short of a calculated move to force through a deal that will devastate Irish farming and rural communities without proper scrutiny or democratic input. Ursula von der Leyen and her Commission appear determined to ram this through, knowing full well the damage it will do. If our political leaders do not stand up to this, all their talk about protecting Irish agriculture and rural Ireland will be exposed as meaningless.”

 Mr McNamara said that if the deal is split, Ireland’s only recourse would be to challenge the decision in the courts. “This raises a crucial question: Is the Irish Government prepared to take legal action against the European Commission if it oversteps its authority? Splitting the deal to bypass national parliaments is beyond the remit of the Commission and cannot go unchallenged. Our leaders need to show they are ready to defend Irish interests, not just with words, but with real action.”

 “The timing of these moves also highlights the sheer hypocrisy of the whole deal. It is a disgrace that while COP29 is ongoing - with global leaders wringing their hands about saving the planet - the EU is actively trying to push through a deal that would lead to the further destruction of the Amazon rainforest. This deal is an abomination. It’s shipping vast amounts of food from South America to a region that already has plenty, while sending fuel-guzzling cars in the other direction. The hypocrisy is staggering. We cannot allow a few powerful voices in Brussels to make decisions behind closed doors that will devastate Irish farmers and rural communities for generations to come.”

 Mr McNamara said that ICSA is calling on Irish political leaders, including Taoiseach Simon Harris, to reject this blatant attempt to sidestep democracy. “Our politicians have been feeding us platitudes, saying the Mercosur Trade Deal is ‘not fit for purpose in its current format.’ If our leaders truly mean what they say, they must oppose any efforts to split this deal and, if it is split, take the necessary legal steps.

 We need clear answers from all political parties on where they stand. Will they fight for fairness, or will they stand by while Brussels undermines democracy? It’s time to take a stand and send a clear message that Ireland will not be railroaded on this. Irish farmers deserve better, and so does the Irish public.”