Aubrey McCarthy (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I renew my call for a debate in this House, as my colleague, Senator Craughwell, has talked about, on the growing impact of the escalating trade tensions that are going to affect the Irish economy. We have seen overnight that more than 60 countries have been impacted by the trade tariffs that have been applied. My colleague mentioned the tariffs of 104% on China. These developments were warned about in this House some weeks ago. Around the world, countries are starting to lean back into protectionism, which we thought we had got away from. Most notably, the US is pushing this. These moves may be strategic for some, but they present real dangers to small, open economies like Ireland's. Irish businesses, in particular those reliant on exports and international supply chains, are being put in a deeply uncertain postilion. Last night it was shocking to hear that the pharmaceutical industry is possibly the next to be targeted. That puts pressure on families at a time when we have just come out of the post-Brexit negotiations, etc.Therefore, it is essential we act now. I call for a debate in the House, with full input from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and for clear engagement with the United States to make sure Ireland is not caught in some sort of crossfire of broader disputes. It is not just a matter of trade policy. It is about economic stability and strategic foresight.