The Government needs to pick a side on the Mercosur trade deal - either support consumers and farmers or back multinationals and big business, Sinn Féin has said.

The opposition’s spokesperson on agriculture Martin Kenny TD made the comments as a crucial Mercosur vote on safeguards is scheduled this week, with France calling for the deal to be paused.

“D-day is fast approaching for the Government when it comes to voting on the Mercosur trade agreement with a vote at the [European] Council meeting expected on Thursday.

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“My colleagues and I in Sinn Féin have repeatedly called on the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Agriculture to state the Government's position when it comes to Mercosur,” Deputy Kenny said.

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture added that there a chance of securing a blocking minority at the council meeting, with the French prime minister stating France’s opposition to the deal on Sunday.

'Dithering'

“We also know that Poland and Hungary are going to vote against the deal and we know Italy also wants the vote postponed.

“The Irish Government needs to stop dithering on the issue and pick a side - they are either prepared to stand up for Irish consumers and Irish farmers when it comes to food safety or they will side with multinationals and big business like German car manufacturers.

“Sinn Fein secured the support of the Dáil last month when it put down a motion to oppose the Mercosur trade agreement and there was cross-party support for the motion.

“The combined opposition is against this deal, the majority of Government backbench TDs are against this deal and the majority of Irish MEPs are against this deal, but the Government refuses to state its position.

“I am calling on the Government to back the French and Italians and form a blocking minority with Poland, Hungary and possibly Austria. Why will the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste not tell how they intend to vote?” Deputy Kenny stated.