Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy put a set of questions to me and I answered them. She wanted to know whether we are particularly exposed to changes happening in global trade, and I said we are and outlined why. She asked if there is an analysis under way to consider risks we face. I confirmed there is, told the Deputy when it would be complete and told her how it would be published. That work is all under way.

On the challenges we face because of potential shocks to global trade and what they could mean to our economy, we do have a very strong pillar in our economy created by foreign direct investment. We also have a thriving domestic economy, a non-traded economy, and a food sector that continues to bring great benefits to our society and economy. We will continue to support those pillars of our economy as well.

We are facing uncertain times, and on that I very much agree with the Deputy, but I do not see the magnitude of the uncertainty posing a threat to our sovereignty, as the Deputy has suggested. However, we will have choices and decisions to make.

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