LATEST: Tipperary TDs share statements on Ireland's decision to vote against Mercosur trade deal

It was confirmed on Thursday morning, January 8, that the Irish Government would be voting against the Mercosur trade deal.

The Mercosur trade deal is a proposed free trade agreement the European Union and Mercosur, a South American trade bloc made up of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The deal would see the EU progressively remove tariffs on the vast majority of its exports to Mercosur which would cover an estimated 90% of EU tariffs on industrial products and many agricultural goods.

The main concern for Ireland is that as one of the largest beef exporters in the EU, farmers fear that cheaper imports from Brazil and other Mercosur members could end up undercutting Irish producers. There are also fears that there would be a surge of South American beef in European markets. Although, on the flip side the deal would potentially provide better access to the South American market for Irish exporters.

READ NEXT: Tipperary councillor warns Mercosur trade deal threatens farmers and rural livelihoods

Following the decision, Michael Lowry has released a statement:

"From the outset, in the formation of this government, I and my Regional Independent colleagues have been strong in our opposition to the Mercosur Trade Deal and we insisted on our opposition to Mercosur being included in the program for Government.

"I have consistently stated that Mercosur is a bad deal for the beef industry and would have negative impacts on an industry which is vital for our economy.

"Our Regional Independents group have had a sequence of meetings over the past number of days and communicated to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste our strong view that the Government should vote against Mercosur and its implications. I have also been in regular contact with the President of the IFA and other farming groups, and I have been briefed extensively by the beef processing industry on the impact of this trade deal.

"I am pleased that our determination will be reflected in a decision to be taken by Government to vote against this trade deal."

Fellow north Tipperary TD Ryan O'Meara shared a video statement to social media on the matter:

"This is an issue that has caused massive concern for the farming communities right across Ireland and in North Tipperary and North West Kilkenny that I represent.

"Fianna Fáil campaigned in the General Election to oppose the Mercusor trade deal in its current format, and the programme for Government is clear that we oppose it, and we will work with like minded countries to vote no.

"The vote tomorrow is extremely important to show that our Government is standing up for farmers, is standing up for rural Ireland, and does not stand over the sub standard level of beef coming into this country and into the European Union from the Mercosur countries, particularly Brazil.

"We see our farmers and farming communities doing huge work to work towards sustainable methods of farming in this country and it would be a slap in the face to those farmers to say that we accept the standard of beef that is coming from Brazil and Mercosur countries.

"This is a very important vote. It is the right decision to make. I have listened to the dozens and dozens of people that have contacted me by phone, text and email, particularly in recent days, but also recent months to say how against this deal we are. I stand with them. I have given those views to leadership in Government, and they have listened today and tomorrow, Ireland will vote no to Mercosur."