Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste is very welcome. I welcome his comments on the supply chain. Supply chain disruption will have a big impact on Ireland, and I would like to work with the Tánaiste on that. I also welcome the Tánaiste's comments on small business, and the knock-on effect of the tariffs on small business and the multinationals. Last night, I did a little research on some of the multinationals based in rural Ireland. One of the key issues many of them cite as a reason for locating here is quality of life. We should not lose track of that because it is a big selling point, as some of my colleagues mentioned. To follow on from what Senator Ahearn said about looking at other markets, we need to look at empowering business to expand and thrive in new markets and help business reach new markets. It is essential to minimise the impact of the tariffs in that regard. Access to the markets must be a top priority, and that means supporting businesses to understand the rules and logistics they need to succeed in global trade. We must make the most of the Single Market and our access to the UK market while exploring new international opportunities. Investment will be key to ensuring that businesses get the help they need to enter this and growing those markets. With the right strategy, what may seem like a challenge can actually drive on progress, advance initiatives like the capital markets union, unlock EU funding for people and small businesses, support the shift towards greener, more digital economies and strengthen our overall economic stability. That is the way we are moving forward from this.