Aubrey McCarthy (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking the time to be here. I congratulate him and the Tánaiste on their new positions. He is stepping into this role at a time of serious economic and geopolitical challenges. The decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on jobs, trade and Ireland's place on the global stage. I know we are facing an issue, the growing trade war, that will affect every household in Ireland and every business. The impact of these tariffs that we heard announced overnight at the Rose Garden press conference will be felt across agriculture, technology and manufacturing, although hopefully not in pharmaceuticals but that is to be seen.

Irish businesses that depend on exports to the US need to be supported but they are suddenly facing barriers that threaten jobs, investment and long-term growth. It is not about large corporations but about the farmers and, as the Tánaiste mentioned, small business owners and workers across the country who are caught in the middle of a trade war they never started. We must ensure Irish interests are protected in these trade negotiations and that we do not become collateral damage in this dispute, which will affect all our livelihoods.

While the Ireland-USA tariff dispute presents challenges, it also presents opportunities with the proper diplomacy, working with the EU. As Donald Tusk said yesterday, co-operation rather than confrontation seems to be the name of the game.

Beyond trade, I also want to mention the international conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza that demand our attention.What is going on is unforgivable. It is causing immense human suffering and global instability. Ireland has always been a strong advocate for peace. We must continue to push for diplomatic solutions, as many of my colleagues said, while supporting those affected by these crises. Our neutrality as a nation is part of our identity. It is a strength that we can be a strong voice of reason in a world distracted by rage, fear and trauma. The road ahead is not easy but we have faced challenges before. I look forward to seeing the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, as he takes on this role, protect Ireland's economy, its workers and its place in the global economy. When I started the charity Tiglin, the Tánaiste was a county councillor. I have seen him work from the ground up. We have worked well together to see impossible solutions become possible.