Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

That is a fact that we have to maintain. I agree with Senator O'Reilly that sometimes you just have to do the right thing. We would like to think the American Administration would also do the right thing and I would like to think that any companies that have any sway with it would have those sorts of conversations.

Obviously, Ireland has its own specific political conditions. We, like the rest of the world, are dealing with the uncertainty that has been caused by the US Administration as regards tariffs. In July, we had the EU-US trade deal under which we are looking at a likely tariff of 15%. A British-US trade deal led to 10% tariff on most goods. What is Mr. Sweetman's view on the impact this will have on the all-Ireland economy?

There have been numerous conversations and attempts at mitigation where the Dublin Government and the Executive in the North are looking at the best means of avoiding the greatest level of divergence and the impact it could have. Does Mr. Sweetman believe there are any more safeguards that are required other than the Windsor Framework and the ongoing negotiations? Please outline anything that could improve that set of circumstances.