Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask that we have a debate with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the news of possible tariffs for the EU and the impact they could have. As we all know, businesses across the country are going through a very difficult time. They have increased expenditure, and challenges which are quite demanding for them at the moment. The Government recognises that and is trying to put supports in place for businesses, such as the 9% VAT rate which will be introduced in the next budget and other measures. I am not sure any measure the Government is proposing at the moment will go far enough to solve the problem of a 25% tariff which the President of the US is proposing to impose. I ask the Leader that the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, come into this House and outline Ireland's and the EU's position, and how he sees this Government focusing on and supporting businesses. It has been a very challenging time for the last couple of years but from what we heard last night, there is going to be an even more challenging time for businesses across the country.