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

This European Council meeting took place at a highly uncertain and volatile time right across the world, but in particular in the Middle East and in both Gaza and the West Bank in Palestine. As Deputy McDonald outlined, the conclusions that came from the European Council meeting are very disappointing, as is the review of the EU-Israel agreements, both commercial and otherwise. The Tánaiste touted the success of getting a meeting on this but the outcome of it is effectively much as it was. Despite the depravity and the numerous war crimes committed by the Israeli Government, it seems to be business as usual when it comes to trade between Europe and Israel. Ireland must be vocal in that regard. It should not be business as usual. Everything that has happened in the Middle East in the past 15 to 20 years is because Israel has been allowed to act with impunity given that there are no consequences for its actions. There are no ramifications in any respect - economically, politically, culturally or socially. That cannot continue. That is the central point behind the occupied territories Bill. It is about ensuring that international law is implemented. However, much to my regret, this Government is walking away from it, contrary to the wishes of the Irish people.

The Council meeting did discuss Ukraine at length. Any progress towards a ceasefire is welcome, although, if it is happening, it is happening haltingly. It is imperative that any settlement that occurs is a sustainable and fair one that recognises the rights of the people of Ukraine who have suffered immensely in the past three years due to the war of aggression by Vladimir Putin. I hope any proposals for negotiations can deliver a just, lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine.

There was also significant discussion of the economy, trade and so on. Ireland is extremely vulnerable and we must be clear sighted. We do not need to panic by any manner or means but we must be realistic about the challenges we potentially face. Ireland is uniquely vulnerable to the threats that exist due to changes in economic policy in the United States and elsewhere because of a government that has failed to invest in the infrastructure that we need and has placed a heavy reliance on tax incentives, some of which were subsequently found to be contrary to the rules and European law. We must prepare for the potential impacts.

The Taoiseach, who has departed from the Chamber, has expressed his concern, as I have, about the impact on the food and drink sector, in particular the whiskey sector given the potential for 200% tariffs from the United States. We must do a number of things. First, nobody wins a trade war. The only way to win a trade war is to stay out of it. We hope that cooler heads will prevail. Obviously, that cannot be guaranteed or controlled. The Government must ensure that the European strategy on tariffs, in terms of retaliatory actions, safeguards to the greatest extent possible the sectors that are important to us here in Ireland. That is food, drink, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, tech, financial services and aircraft leasing.

We must continue to find new markets. We must look at areas such as south-east Asia and also countries that have already been affected by tariffs, including Canada and Mexico. That is something that has been talked about for a long time, but requires an enhanced approach. We must begin preparation of a package of supports for industries and businesses that will be affected. That was part of the preparations for Brexit. There are lessons to be learned. There were good elements and there were elements that could be improved on. We now need to begin that preparation for businesses that will be affected by tariffs.

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