Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is an area that will require a great deal of careful consideration. I understand the point the Tánaiste made that pronouncements and policy are not always the same thing with this Administration. Nonetheless, preparation will be crucial. There are two elements to it. It is important we are clear-sighted without being defeatist. There are undoubtedly vulnerabilities. Notwithstanding that, there is no need to be alarmist without having seen any actions. Clearly, we need to do what we can, primarily at a European level because engaging with the US Administration on tariffs is a European competency. In terms of preparedness, however, we need to support businesses to potentially seek out new markets. One of the lessons that needs to be learned from Brexit preparedness, some of which worked and some of which could have been better, is that we need to support small businesses better in seeking out markets, including non-English speaking markets, for example, in southeast Asia. Supporting businesses, especially small and medium businesses, to reach non-English speaking markets is an area we need to work on.

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