Minister for Agriculture and Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, who said that the Irish government and EU will ensure safeguards are in place for farmers and consumers
The European Union has approved the Mercosur trade deal.
A majority of member states confirmed they would back the agreement in Brussels today, with Ireland and France among the countries which opposed it.
It aims to increase trade opportunities with countries in South America.
Farmers here are opposed to the deal, raising concerns over the standard of beef which will be imported as a result.
The agreement will now need to be ratified by MEPs in the European Parliament.
The Irish Farmer's Association said it will intensify its lobbying campaign to stop its progress through the European Parliament.
Speaking on this morning's Kildare Today, IFA President Francie Gorman said that they have no faith that the spot audits coming into Europe will be sufficient to ensure the safety of consumers of beef and poultry in Ireland:
Also speaking on the show was Minister for Agriculture and Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, who said that the Irish government and EU will ensure safeguards are in place for farmers and consumers:
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