Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with colleagues that this is an existential threat to our economy and to society more generally. It is rather surprising that the party of Eisenhower and Reagan is now led by an individual who is moving towards protectionist policies that were never part of the Republican tradition in the United States.

I hope that those within the Republican party who believe in business might try to convince President Trump of the errors of these actions. As so many have said, there are no winners as a result of tariffs. Consumers and businesses in this country and around the world will suffer. I place great faith in the Government and in the EU negotiators. I wish Maroš Šefčovič, the EU trade commissioner, who is very familiar to this country because of his role in the Brexit negotiations, well in the discussions he will have to lead on behalf of the European Union. It is critical within these Houses that every opportunity is given to Ministers to ensure that they are represented at EU decision-making tables. At no stage should those seats be left empty. It is critical that when a pair is required for a Minister to attend an EU Council meeting, it is provided.

This will have significant impact on all businesses but for small businesses, many of which export significantly to the United States, it is going to be particularly difficult. They may not have the individual human resources to address this. Within the programme for Government there is a commitment to establish a small business unit, looking at how red tape and so on impacts. I urge the Minister of State in his response to address how that might be set up, with a particular view to making customs as easy as possible. It is also important that we explore links with other parts of the world. It is mentioned specifically in the programme for Government that we strengthen our links with Latin America, for example. We must also talk about the importance of free trade. As a Government, we have always believed in its importance. Globally and right through history, free trade has always been shown to create more jobs and lift people out of poverty. That does not mean that free trade should not be fair trade. We always have to have regard to human rights and to environmental and labour standards. It is critical that we stress how free trade can help all countries and citizens.

With that in mind, I ask that a very clear commitment now be given by the Government to ratify the comprehensive economic and trade agreement with Canada. Canada has been a very long trading partner with Ireland. It is our 12th biggest trading partner. There are over 15,000 people employed in Ireland by Canadian companies, and Irish companies employ over 6,000 people. To be able to increase free trade between the European Union, Ireland and Canada is something we should welcome. It has been growing in recent years. There is a Government commitment to do it but I want a very clear timeframe in the Minister of State's response as to when we will ratify the CETA agreement.

On the issue of Ireland's membership of the European unified patents court system, for those inventors and creators, to ensure that patents and our intellectual property is recognised and protected throughout Europe, the referendum which was postponed should now be held. It would be appropriate for it to be held in conjunction with the presidential election this autumn. A clear commitment to that would signal that we take the issue of patent protection seriously.

It is important that the entire House will support the Government in its actions on this, and that we get as much information as possible out to businesses and citizens as soon as possible.

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