ICSA is against Mercosur and TTIP, saying the deals would threaten the future of the Irish beef industry.

Their focus is on the EU Commission in response to what it says is the weak negotiating position taken by the Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström, without any democratic mandate.

ICSA president Patrick Kent believes politicians are not fully aware of the risks: “We believe there are threats down the line, we believe Ministers and politicians are not fully aware of the possible consequences of any of these three scenarios.

“Either a Mercosur, a TTIP or a Brexit.

“It is imperative that they take full cognisance of the possibilities of these happening over the next short period of time.”