Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

I thank the Taoiseach for the report on the engagement with the US President and, indeed, on the issue of Gaza. I note that he raise that with the US President. The Palestinian ambassador and Palestinian representatives specifically asked that Ireland would use all diplomatic means at its disposal, including our connection with the US, to raise the need for peace and for a ceasefire for the people of Gaza and an end to Israel's genocide, so I hope that was part of that conversation.

The Taoiseach also mentioned the very concerning prospect of tariffs and the increased volatility of the Trump Administration's approach with the announcement just last week by President Trump that he would impose 50% tariffs from 1 June and then saying that would be postponed to 9 July. We in Labour have argued for many years now in the face of this sort of volatility, and it is particularly important now, that a sophisticated job retention scheme should be developed in the form of a short-time work support scheme for employers here where there is this level of volatility and uncertainty around tariffs.

Finally, has the Taoiseach been briefed on the use of Shannon Airport by civil contractors for the US Government deporting people to South Sudan in breach of US migration law?

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