Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and wish her luck in her new role chairing the Dáil.

I thank all the Deputies for their engagement in today's debate. The interventions we heard reflect not only the gravity of the current situation, but also the breadth of concerns across the Dáil for our economy, our trading relationships and Ireland's place in a changing world. We are all experiencing and getting to grips with a fundamental change in how the world's largest economy has decided, at least for now, to conduct its trade policy. The implications of a blanket 20% tariff on all EU goods represent the most serious challenge to transatlantic economic relationships in generations.

Several themes have emerged throughout this debate, including concerns around sectorial vulnerabilities, questions about Ireland's preparedness, fears about our place in the global economy and legitimate anxiety about what the next developments might mean for jobs, investment and growth. Let me address some of these themes.

Ireland is a full and equal partner in contributing to the European Union's collective response. In doing so from the outset of this trade dispute, we have been both a vocal and a constructive voice at the table, ensuring that the EU's approach is a measured and proportionate response. Alongside his counterparts for all 27 member states, the Tánaiste attended an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on trade last Monday. There was an unequivocal message of unity around the table that the EU's response would be firm, proportionate and measured and that the EU would continue to seek negotiations and dialogue with the US. At that meeting, the European Commission updated Ministers on the timeline and the scope of potential countermeasures, including those designed in response to earlier US tariffs on steel, aluminium and derivative products that took effect in March. It was confirmed that the intention was to proceed with counterbalancing measures, which are expected to take effect from 15 April. It is also important to note that the countermeasures have been designed to reflect the EU's commitment to targeted and proportionate responses.

We understand that dairy and spirits products have been removed from the list of EU countermeasures. This is very much welcome. The Government has conveyed at every opportunity our sensitivities in this regard to the European Commission. The approach at the EU level is determined and disciplined. Ireland has helped to shape this response, not with threats or treaties, but with strategy, solidarity and sustained engagement. As the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, referred to earlier, our efforts to de-escalate this dispute also extend to direct contact with the Government of the United States. The Tánaiste recently had a call with the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and will meet him in Washington DC today. Indeed, the Tánaiste spearheaded several engagements prior to the announcement of this series of tariffs with the trade ministers of many EU member states sharing similar economies and sectorial challenges. This visit is not just symbolic but a vital opportunity for the Government to reiterate our message that these tariffs are harmful to both sides and create unnecessary economic pain and there is still time to de-escalate through negotiations. The Tánaiste will also raise the crucial role played by companies based in Ireland in US pharmaceutical supply chains. This is a reminder that in today's world, economic interdependencies run deep. Indeed, this is a sector that starkly demonstrates that punitive trade barriers not only hurt foreign exporters but also damage domestic supply chains, customer access and health services.

Several Deputies raised concerns about the potential impact of these developments on Irish businesses, especially SMEs. I reassure the Dáil that the Government is taking these concerns very seriously. Following the announcement of the new tariffs, the Tánaiste immediately convened the Government's trade forum. This meeting brought together key Ministers, enterprise bodies and business leaders to shape and inform about potential risks. Additionally, it sought to ensure that we have a co-ordinated response. The development of a detailed trade diversification action plan was agreed, which will support Irish exporters in exploring new markets, while also leveraging existing EU trade agreements and strengthening our international presence. We will continue to assess the exposure of sectors to these tariffs. Our enterprise agencies stand ready to assist. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and our diplomatic network will keep supporting firms in accessing alternative markets, navigating new trade conditions and adapting their strategies. Ireland's economy is currently robust and we must not lose sight of this amid the noise. Our public finances are in good order, our employment levels remain strong and our investment attractiveness is undiminished. We remain one of the top countries globally for competitiveness. We have a young, skilled and mobile workforce and we offer stability, legal certainty and a strong regulatory environment. We are also the largest English-speaking country in the EU, with access to more than 450 million consumers. We have proven time and again that we can respond to disruption not with panic but with purpose. We have navigated previous crises in the past, be it Brexit or Covid, with strong leadership and know-how. This moment is no different. Some have asked whether our model of foreign direct investment is under threat. I think the simple answer is "No". FDI has been an integral part of our economic success. We have many sites throughout the country where leading global companies are playing a key role in providing goods and services that underpin our modern global economy.

It is concerning that Aontú has described the high-quality employment provided by many of these large FDI and multinational companies by referring to their profitability receipts as bargain basement. This is a commonality Deputy Tóibín has brought up in this Dáil numerous times. I remind Deputy Tóibín, from County Meath, and Deputy Lawless, from County Mayo, that these are counties that are home to many of these multinational companies. There are 16 companies in County Mayo supporting more than 5,500-----

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