Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is the very point I am making. I am not looking for any tariffs to be put up. Tariffs have not suited our economy. All we have to do is look at history to see that. One indigenous crop with huge potential is hemp. There are issues regarding the regulation and licensing of that in this country.

I am talking about developing and supporting businesses in this country that are replacing product coming from other parts of the world outside the EU. We know there is far more flexibility with EU state aid rules post Covid. As a result of the war in Ukraine, there is flexibility on state aid rules, yet the State is not coherently looking at the potential to support our businesses. As I said in respect of the renewable energy sector, the focus is on export rather than meeting our domestic needs. There are demands and deficits we should be looking at.

See this speech in context