Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister will keep this under review. I acknowledge the change in income thresholds, which is welcome.

I will speak on the tariffs for a moment. As a Deputy representing Cork South-Central, we have a large concentration of US companies. I live only a couple of miles from Ringaskiddy, a large industrial base. I welcome the Minister's comment earlier that our first and foremost priority is negotiation and finding ways forward but it is critical we have a strong strategy for our multinational and FDI sectors to show them the Government will take a step-by-step approach with them in addressing the economic challenges we face. It is vital we show that support to them and show that we will be shoulder to shoulder with them so that we can navigate these difficult times. They are unprecedented times. I know the EU will respond as a collective but Ireland is particularly exposed. Within Ireland, the region I represent is particularly exposed. I urge the Minister to ensure every effort is made to find solutions and negotiate our way out of this. Obviously, the EU will respond in due course in terms of potential reciprocal tariffs.

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