Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. When the Tánaiste and our diplomats have discussions with the European Commission, I hope it takes on our concerns particularly in relation to medtech and pharmaceuticals. As the Minister of State said, there are still possibilities for lower tariffs in certain areas. Medtech is one that needs to be highlighted on behalf of Ireland. A lot of work has been done in the past ten years or so to try to develop our economy. We have built it into the fastest growing economy in Europe, and a proportion of that is dependent on FDI and businesses we have in America. While we also need to look east and look for more opportunities in areas we have not before, it is important that we protect the livelihoods of people working in that sector as best we can in conjunction with the European Commission, making sure it is fully aware of the challenges Ireland has with these tariffs.