Thomas Byrne - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)
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language: en-gb
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date: 2025-04-16T16:12:34+00:00
items: Protecting the Irish Economy Against Increasing Trade Tariffs: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
items: International Trade and International Relations: Statements (Resumed) | Seanad debates
items: Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
items: Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates

Protecting the Irish Economy Against Increasing Trade Tariffs: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: -----and the sooner that trade agreement is fully ratified, the better because it is of huge benefit for our indigenous sector, which Deputy Tóibín talks so much about. We should...
encoded: -----and the sooner that trade agreement is fully ratified, the better because it is of huge benefit for our indigenous sector, which Deputy Tóibín talks so much about. We should really have a united front on this because that reduces the burden, and economic cost and gives huge opportunities for businesses here in Ireland. We are living together in challenging times. There are no winners if tariffs are introduced. We believe in free open trade and investment. Trade is the source of our prosperity in this country and I again support the Government's countermotion, having moved it.
date: 2025-04-09T03:30:00+00:00

Protecting the Irish Economy Against Increasing Trade Tariffs: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: -----and we are one of the most advanced countries and democracies in the world. We have a competitive, consistent and a transparent corporate tax regime, good access and connectivity and an...
encoded: -----and we are one of the most advanced countries and democracies in the world. We have a competitive, consistent and a transparent corporate tax regime, good access and connectivity and an excellent return on investment. The Irish sites of leading global companies play a key role in creating or adding value to the goods and services that underpin the modern global economy anchored in our membership of the European Union. Policies, strategies and the legislative toolkit are kept under constant review. Deputy Tóibín mentioned corporation tax and he eventually mentioned that we are part of the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, BEPS, process and, yes, we did work to protect our vital national interest throughout the process. We did not just jump in at the start because we were working to protect Ireland's interests in that, and we have very much done that. We have a very strong indigenous enterprise sector which successive governments have supported and the Deputy does not seem to know that Ireland is the sixth or seventh biggest investor into the United States. Much of that is indigenous industries and they are working with Enterprise Ireland all around the world to boost and lift them up and to expand them into markets all over the world. We are proactively engaging with businesses to make them aware of these supports. The Government will not be found wanting when it comes to resourcing and supporting Irish SMEs, which are the backbone of the economy. One of my key jobs at the European Union table, as Europe Minister of State, is working on what is called "simplification" which is basically reducing red tape for businesses, including SMEs. That is a big project under way at the moment and I think it should get strong support from across the House. We are fourth in the world competitiveness rankings. Yes, we have difficulties and the Opposition outlines them all of the time but we are very competitive. Our membership of the EU makes us part of a growing network …
date: 2025-04-09T03:30:00+00:00

Protecting the Irish Economy Against Increasing Trade Tariffs: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: -----and one of the best workforces in the world-----
encoded: -----and one of the best workforces in the world-----
date: 2025-04-09T03:30:00+00:00

Protecting the Irish Economy Against Increasing Trade Tariffs: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: From this Government's perspective, investors are welcome to Ireland. We have one of the most educated countries in the world-----
encoded: From this Government's perspective, investors are welcome to Ireland. We have one of the most educated countries in the world-----
date: 2025-04-09T03:30:00+00:00

Protecting the Irish Economy Against Increasing Trade Tariffs: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: He absolutely would not say it to any investor.
encoded: He absolutely would not say it to any investor.
date: 2025-04-09T03:30:00+00:00

Protecting the Irish Economy Against Increasing Trade Tariffs: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: I move amendment No. 2: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that the United States (US) has implemented tariffs on all of its trading...
encoded: I move amendment No. 2: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that the United States (US) has implemented tariffs on all of its trading partners, with the European Union (EU) and Ireland facing tariffs of: — 25 per cent on steel, aluminium and derivatives since 12th March; — 25 per cent on the automotive sector since 3rd April; and — 10 per cent on remaining goods since 5th April, rising to 20 per cent on 9th April; further notes that the pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors are excluded from tariffs at this moment, along with the commodities of wood/lumber and copper; regrets that the US action will undermine the global trading system and economic integration which has delivered immense benefit to all countries and has helped lift hundreds of millions out of poverty across the world; recognises that: — the Government is working intensively with EU partners on the EU response; — the European Commission, in line with the EU Treaties, holds the competence for Trade policy and will represent the Union's interest and the interests of all EU member states in negotiations with third countries; — the EU, while preparing for a proportionate response, at all times has emphasised its openness and willingness to negotiate and that Ireland has strongly supported this position; — the Government, working in close coordination with the European Commission, is also in regular contact with the US administration, to reinforce our collective interests in negotiations with the US; — the Government continues to engage extensively with stakeholders here, particularly through the Government Trade Forum, in shaping the Irish and EU response to the issues; and — the Government is conscious of the potential impacts of differential US tariff rates on the EU and the United Kingdom in Northern Ireland, and on the all-island economy, and is in ongoing contact with the Northern Ireland Executive and the British government in this regard; acknowledges th…
date: 2025-04-09T03:20:00+00:00

International Trade and International Relations: Statements (Resumed) | Seanad debates
type: item
description: Gabhaim buíochas leis na Seanadóirí. Fáiltím roimh an deis a bheith anseo leo ar maidin. Measaim gurb é seo an chéad uair a bhí mé anseo ó...
encoded: Gabhaim buíochas leis na Seanadóirí. Fáiltím roimh an deis a bheith anseo leo ar maidin. Measaim gurb é seo an chéad uair a bhí mé anseo ó cheapadh mé i m'Aire Stáit le freagracht as gnóthaí Eorpacha agus cosaint. Táim ag súil le dul i dteagmháil leis na Seanadóirí sna seachtainí agus míonna atá romhainn. Gabhaim buíochas leo freisin as an méid atá ráite acu ar maidin. Tá dúshlán ollmhór romhainn in Éirinn agus san Aontas Eorpach. lreland's prosperity requires a well-functioning, competitive and open Single Market with fair access to global markets. This in turn requires a stable and secure international environment and certainty. "Certainty" is an important word. The international environment today faces significant challenges. The war in Ukraine is far from the only conflict impacting on wider security. The Irish Government has displayed a leadership role in many as aspects of that. The Government has also showed leadership on other very important issues. Gaza was mentioned by numerous Senators. By any standard, the Irish Government has displayed a leadership role in the world and in multilateral organisations. There are also conflicts in Syria and Lebanon and other conflicts. We deeply regret the announcements on tariffs made by President Trump yesterday in Washington DC. They were trailed in advance. The Government actively prepared for them but we had hoped they could be avoided. Nobody wins from tariffs. The Government will review the situation with our EU partners and prepare the best way to respond. The EU will have to respond in a proportionate manner which protects our businesses and citizens. It is important to remember when talking about the EU that we are the EU, along with the other member states, the European Parliament and the peoples of Europe. We will do so in a calm, strategic and measured fashion. We continue to seek negotiated solutions. President Trump to some extent invited this yesterday. It is essential to ensure that we continue dialogue an…
date: 2025-04-03T02:00:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
type: item
description: I thank Deputies for their statements and questions. I will address some of the issues that the Taoiseach did not go into in great detail. He did mention them and spoke about the multiannual...
encoded: I thank Deputies for their statements and questions. I will address some of the issues that the Taoiseach did not go into in great detail. He did mention them and spoke about the multiannual financial framework and new own resources. Some of my contribution will be as Gaeilge. I wish to address the issues of migration, which Deputy Lahart raised, oceans, and multilateralism. In respect of the next multiannual financial framework, EU leaders held their first exchange of views on the EU's long-term budget, for which the Commission is expected to present proposals in the summer, and negotiations for which will reach a bit of a climax during our Presidency. Our priorities are for security, prosperity and values. In these turbulent times, forging a secure and competitive Europe is crucial for all member states. It is clear that difficult negotiations lie ahead for all member states, given the increasing financial needs across a range of policy areas. Ireland sees value in collectively financing European public goods that create clear dividends, such as research and innovation and the development of cross-border infrastructure, in particular increasing investment in energy grids, interconnections and digital networks. It is also very important for Ireland that there is a fully funded Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and this is something of a priority for the Government. In my discussions at the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, at my level this has been one of my priorities. Our position is that the social, environmental and economic impacts and spill-over benefits of CAP throughout the country, but particularly, of course, in rural Ireland, cannot be underestimated. The European Council discussed the means of financing the EU budget, to which the Taoiseach referred in respect of increasing needs, with reference to own resources. The majority of funding for the EU budget is drawn from contributions from national governments, based on gross national income, GNI. This…
date: 2025-03-26T07:50:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
type: item
description: I answered.
encoded: I answered.
date: 2025-03-26T07:50:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
type: item
description: To respond to some of the Deputies' comments, the Opposition vociferously opposed the trade agreement with Canada. I was asked what we will do about tariffs. What we do about them is we have...
encoded: To respond to some of the Deputies' comments, the Opposition vociferously opposed the trade agreement with Canada. I was asked what we will do about tariffs. What we do about them is we have trade agreements where we reduce the tariffs to nothing or nearly nothing. Every time we do that, there are High Court cases and Opposition motions. We had all those photographs on Twitter, "they all voted for CETA." We all voted for zero tariffs with Canada, the friendliest country in the world, and we are proud of that. The Opposition's stance at the time was grossly misinformed and grossly opposed to the economic interests of this country. Deputies were given absolute clarity that the investor court system was no threat whatsoever to public services in this country. On the EU-Israel association agreement, review of compliance by Israel with its obligations under that agreement is a priority for Ireland. Every agreement between the European Union and another country must be grounded in international law. That is absolutely clear and the Irish Government has been very clear on it. In response to Deputy Toole's question on Ukraine, I do not have the full details of the various mechanisms for funding in Ukraine but they have been a mixture of grants, loans, development assistance, practical assistance and advice. I can get the Deputy a summary of the various supports that have come from the European Union and its member states. On healthcare, it was a big feature of the European Council agendas during the Covid period. There are meetings of the Council of Health Ministers regularly enough but health is not a core competence of the European Union. Mostly what we do on healthcare is at national level. To answer Deputy Lahart on the Presidency, Ireland is going to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of next year. It is a huge opportunity for us not simply to drive an Irish agenda but to drive the agenda of the European Union in that period. I …
date: 2025-03-26T07:50:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
type: item
description: I cannot speak for the Signal conversations. We saw what was said there. I cannot speak either for pressure on people to spend money on defence. I think Deputy Lahart summed it up best. He...
encoded: I cannot speak for the Signal conversations. We saw what was said there. I cannot speak either for pressure on people to spend money on defence. I think Deputy Lahart summed it up best. He mentioned the Nordic countries and said they are terrified but prepared. That is why these individual countries, not the EU, want to spend more on their own defence. I have here a booklet that has been sent out to every house in Sweden by the Swedish Government, “In case of crisis or war”. Every house in Sweden is getting that, a country which is an exemplar of a social democracy. It is a country that we speak about very regularly in the context of things like the Swedish model of childcare and how women can go out to work because of the childcare model. It has an advanced social security system that looks after all sections of society. However, as Deputy Lahart says, they are terrified but prepared. Defence spending, as I said, is a member state competence. We are doing it ourselves anyway. We decided to do that as part of the Commission on the Defence Forces. That pressure to increase spending is coming from the threat it sees from Russia, which Ukraine has suffered in the land invasion and which other countries have seen in cyberattacks. We were the victim of a well-known cyberattack among other cyberattacks that have not been publicised. This is very important. It is important we prepare ourselves to protect that social safety net that countries like Sweden, and indeed Ireland, aspire to and have put in place at world-leading levels. It is important that we protect our economy. Tariffs were mentioned by Deputy Boyd Barrett in this context too. Everyone is against tariffs because they cut growth and jobs but when we had the Canada trade agreement three or four years ago it was a big debating point in the Dáil. That reduces tariffs to zero or near-zero on trade with Canada, the friendliest country in the world. One of the Green Party TDs went to the High Court to stop it. Sinn F…
date: 2025-03-26T07:40:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
type: item
description: I understand the question.
encoded: I understand the question.
date: 2025-03-26T07:40:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
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description: I will answer these because there is a lot of stuff here. It is kind of a free-for-all. I am happy to answer but in some ways I am limited to answering on what comes before the European...
encoded: I will answer these because there is a lot of stuff here. It is kind of a free-for-all. I am happy to answer but in some ways I am limited to answering on what comes before the European Council. I do not have information on some specific items that were not discussed at the European Council and nor am I the Minister of State with responsibility for some areas. I do want to take one point, however, that has been raised by a number of people, particularly Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, with regard to the Taoiseach apparently not meeting with the UN special rapporteur for Palestine. The Taoiseach met with her boss, the Secretary General of the United Nations, at the European Council last week and raised directly with him, in front of the other leaders, the situation in Palestine and Ireland’s concerns and, indeed, many of the concerns that were raised here in the Dáil. I want to put that on the record because it is very important. There is a lot of misinformation going out here regarding what the Taoiseach did or did not say at the European Council but I can say very clearly that he did that at the European Council. It is also important for people to understand what the European Council is. Ireland does not decide the conclusions of the European Council. Ireland is one of 27 countries that come together with their various views and nuances that exist in every single country and we work together, not to take minutes, as some people have put it, but instead to give direction to the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament as to where we see things going in a general way. The workflow in those institutions follows from that. It is also very important to note, because there is a lot of talk about war, peace and everything, that defence policy is a matter for member states and the conclusions - the bit the Deputy did not read out in the Chamber - refer to the specific traditions of certain member states. It is written in there, acknowledging countries like Ireland, Au…
date: 2025-03-26T07:40:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
type: item
description: I am answering questions on the European Council last week.
encoded: I am answering questions on the European Council last week.
date: 2025-03-26T07:30:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
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description: No, I am obviously not.
encoded: No, I am obviously not.
date: 2025-03-26T07:10:00+00:00

Post European Council Meeting: Statements | Dáil debates
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description: I did not criticise him for that.
encoded: I did not criticise him for that.
date: 2025-03-26T06:50:00+00:00

Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: That is not what Deputy Hearne thinks.
encoded: That is not what Deputy Hearne thinks.
date: 2025-03-26T03:10:00+00:00

Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: - Ireland's policy of military neutrality is characterised by...
encoded: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: - Ireland's policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements, and this policy choice has been practised by successive Governments since the Second World War; - the Government reaffirms its commitment to this policy and reiterates that it has no plans to either join a military alliance, or enter into a mutual defence arrangement; and - the Government does not believe a national plebiscite on the matter is either necessary or appropriate; recognises: - Ireland's long-standing policy of military neutrality, our strong tradition of participation in International peace support and crisis management operations over many decades; - the importance of parliamentary safeguards and national oversight in ensuring Irish military deployments are in line with our policy of military neutrality, and that they are decided solely by the elected sovereign representatives of the people of Ireland; and - the importance of stakeholder engagement as part of the legislative process in shaping Ireland's future defence policy; and acknowledges that: - in common with other partners in Europe, Ireland finds itself in an increasingly contested, dynamic and volatile international security environment, marked by violence and conflict in our immediate neighbourhood, including in the Middle East and Africa; - Ireland, therefore, should not find itself unable to respond to Peace Support and Crisis Management Operations that align with the United Nations (UN) Charter and International Law, due to a veto by permanent member(s) of the UN Security Council; and - this legislation will remove the power of UN Security Council permanent members to veto our national sovereign decisions regarding our participation in an International Force and will also allow for the deployment of Defence Force personnel overseas, in other ove…
date: 2025-03-26T03:00:00+00:00

Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: Tá mé ag éisteacht le cad atá á rá aici.
encoded: Tá mé ag éisteacht le cad atá á rá aici.
date: 2025-03-26T02:50:00+00:00

Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality: Motion [Private Members] | Dáil debates
type: item
description: Tá sé sin go uafásach.
encoded: Tá sé sin go uafásach.
date: 2025-03-26T02:50:00+00:00