Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 144, 145, 150 and 157 together.

I thank Deputy Boland for this question. I reiterate that I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium and derivative products from the EU and other trade partners, effective from 12 March last. I am also aware of the announcement by the US Administration on 26 March of its plans to introduce tariffs against the auto sector from 2 April. I met my counterpart from Slovakia in recent days, a country with a major car industry. We are all conscious in Ireland and across the European Union tonight that tomorrow there is a high likelihood President Trump will announce further potential action by the United States. I assure Deputy Boland and the people of this country that the EU will take necessary and proportionate action to defend the interests of Irish and European businesses, workers and citizens. We already announced our response to the steel and aluminium tariffs. Implementation work, including the fine-tuning of the announced countermeasures, is ongoing and it is currently planned that these will come into effect in mid-April. I welcome that the Commission has extended the implementation period because it is important to provide space for negotiation with the United States. We do not want tariffs. We want talks, not tariffs. We want engagement. It is important to emphasise that. It is essential the maximum use of that time is made. Close co-ordination with the European Commission will be essential in the period ahead. I will continue to remain in close contact with all stakeholders and our EU partners. Every opportunity for negotiation must be used. Ireland will advocate for an outcome which enhances the existing and strong transatlantic trading relationship.

In my discussions at an EU level with the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, I have also conveyed Ireland's sensitivities with regard to the EU countermeasures currently under preparation. We need to be cognisant of potential additional retaliatory measures by the US and the impact they could have on the Irish and EU economy, including for the Irish beverages and dairy sectors. The Irish position is crystal clear. We want to avoid a series of escalating tariffs. They are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated supply chains which benefit businesses and employers on both sides of the Atlantic. Tariffs drive inflation and hurt consumers. Increased protectionism is not in the interests of our citizens or businesses.

I have also engaged with the US Administration. Last Monday into the early hours of Tuesday morning, I had a constructive and engaging call with the US secretary of commerce, Howard Lutnick. We agreed to keep in close contact. As I already told the House, I am chairing a meeting of the Government trade forum on an ongoing basis to bring together business stakeholders, State agencies and relevant Departments to share the best information and insights and plan a way forward. I will continue my engagement with all stakeholders here at home, the Commission, other EU trade ministers and the US Administration. I will attend the meeting of EU trade ministers on 7 April in Luxembourg. This will be a key meeting for us to collectively discuss the global trading landscape and how best to respond. This country remains committed to the principles of free and open trade which have underpinned our economic success. Free and open trade brings economic opportunities, creates well-paid jobs and fosters innovation. It builds economic resilience within a strong rules-based international trading system. I reiterate there still remains a window of opportunity for negotiation to reach agreement on the suspension of tariffs. President Trump seems intent on having his day tomorrow and making his announcements. That is up to him. We cannot control that. What needs to happen after that announcement is intensive engagement to find a way forward that is good for all of our people.

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