Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The Tánaiste and other Ministers have been vocal and constructive voices at the table to ensure the EU's approach remains measured and appropriate. The Government's constant and consistent position has been, and remains, that we need substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also the position of the EU. Our objective remains to reach agreement on a mutually beneficial deal that works for both sides. A negotiated outcome is the best way forward and we are in close, ongoing contact with our EU counterparts at political and official levels as we approach the 1 August deadline. In the remaining time, the Government will continue to advocate for a deal that works for Ireland, Europe and the US. However, let me be absolutely clear that tariffs are economically damaging for all sides. They disrupt complex and highly integrated supply chains that benefit businesses, workers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to pursue dialogue, to make the case to remove these tariffs and to assert our interests through the EU and directly with the United States.

The Deputy has asked specific questions. I will try to get the information and revert with that. On market diversification, State bodies like the IDA and Enterprise Ireland are doing incredible work at the trade forum. Team Ireland is active on the ground in the United States. The diplomatic effort that is being made is not going unnoticed either.

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