Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott today pledged to ‘grill’ Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson when she met him to discuss the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks.
The MEP for the Ireland South constituency is a member of the WTO Delegation in the European Parliament.
The meeting between Ms Sinnott and Commissioner Mandelson comes after a meeting yesterday between the Commissioner and Foreign Affairs Ministers across Europe.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin attended the meeting yesterday, and said that he had made it clear that current proposals on a trade deal were unacceptable to Ireland.
Minister Martin said that Ireland had very serious concerns about the latest proposals and warned that there is a risk of damage to European agriculture.
However, Minister Martin has still not committed the Government to vetoing any agreement.
Minister Martin also warned farmers that if Ireland votes “No” to the Lisbon Treaty, then the country’s hand will be seriously weakened in future negotiations.