Tanaiste Simon Harris said Ireland had to ‘stand by our word’ on the Mercosur deal.

Micheál Martin announced the decision during his official visit to China, according to the Irish Times.

They also raised concerns about Seán Canney and Marian Harkin's opposition to the deal.

The Irish Farmers’ Association has called on the Government to oppose the deal with the South American trade bloc.

President of Macra, Josephine O’Neill, said that the agreement poses a "very real threat to Irish farmers"

The accord faces a key test in Europe amid stiff resistance from Ireland, France and some other EU members.