I am aware of a social media post circulating with fake news in relation to my position on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. In this statement, I am re-establishing my position and I hope this clarifies the matter.
During April’s plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs voted – as we do annually – on a report concerning the EU’s common foreign and security policy, not on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement as implied. Within this report, there were a number of amendments tabled in relation to Mercosur.
Despite contradictory statements circulating, I voted in favour of Amendment 1 which highlighted my concern regarding the potential negative impact of the Agreement on EU sustainability and food safety standards.
The amendment also called on the Parliament to examine whether the agreement meets EU standards and complies with the reciprocity principle. While I originally voted against this amendment in error, I ensured that my voting record was immediately corrected to “in favour” of Amendment 1 on the same day. This is common practice in the European Parliament and the publicly available record of votes on the Parliament website clearly notes my final vote.
I have made my opposition to the Mercosur deal in its current format very clear. My position aligns with that of the Irish Government. It is a position that is very well known within the EPP and the European Parliament, as well as most importantly by my constituents.
The Mercosur agreement is of great significance to the Irish economy, agriculture sector, public health and climate. This populist and ill-informed approach and sharing of fake news is of no value to constituents, who deserve better.
If you have any further questions I am happy to answer them via my office, details of which you can find on this web page.
