Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion has said that she does not have confidence in the European Commission to implement safeguard measures relating to the Mercosur trade deal.

Speaking to Agriland at the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, the MEP, who is a member of The Left political grouping in the EU, said the EU has a poor track record in this context.

Funchion, Lynn Boylan (SF) and Luke 'Ming' Flanagan were the only Irish MEPs to vote against the safeguards to the deal between the EU and South American countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly initially also voted against the safeguards, but subsequently changed that vote to instead vote in favour.

Independent MEP Michael McNamara did not vote as he is currently on an EU Parliament delegation to Bangladesh.

MEP Funchion said: "When you're talking about safeguards, you're in a dangerous zone because you're in a zone where you're accepting a lot less than what you should be accepting.

"I also think if you look at the EU's track record on other agreements and how they have met their criteria and obligations - they've totally failed.

"So I wouldn't have any confidence that if you needed to invoke these safeguards, that they would actually be done," she added.

The Sinn Féin MEP also claimed that the safeguards are merely a "smokescreen" for a "really bad deal".

She said she has received many representations from people, not just those involved in farming, who have major concerns about the deal and its impact on food quality and human health.

"We have such a high standard in Ireland and at times, I think it's taken for granted," Funchion added.

"People maybe don't realise that the standard is different in other countries and we know there have been issues around climate."

Mercosur

The deal will create one of the world's biggest free trade zone, covering a market of over 700 million consumers.

It is estimated the agreement can increase EU annual exports to Mercosur countries by up to 39% (€49 billion).

Mercosur is expected to remove duties on 91% of EU exports over a period of 10 years for most products. 

It will allow 99,000t of Mercosur beef to enter the EU market with a 7.5% duty.

55% of the quota will consist of fresh or chilled meat and 45% of lower-value frozen meat.

Yesterday, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg where she said: "We must be laser focused on opening growth opportunities and new markets to our companies.

"We need more rules-based, reliable trade with like-minded partners."

The president referenced trade deals which are currently in the making with countries such as Australia, Thailand, the Philippines and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"We have the second largest economy in the world but we are driving it with the handbrake on," she added.