Independent Minister of State for Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae said he wants the Government to oppose the Mercosur deal. The Mercosur deal would be a “win-win” agreement that did not sell any sector or industry short, he said. The Programme for Government commits the Coalition to working with like-minded states “in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal”. Explainer What is the Mercosur trade deal? Speaking in Brussels, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said he continues to hold negative views on the Mercosur deal.

Source: The Irish Times January 08, 2026 09:00 UTC