Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

295. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking at EU level and in discussions with his US counterpart to ensure increased tariffs are not applied to whiskey exports to the US in view of the fact that a large percentage of exports go to the USA and the industry provides employment in rural areas. [29913/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Trade policy issues are a matter for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in the first instance. Equally, the import tariffs applied by the US are a matter for its authorities.

Nonetheless, I am aware that the current trade tensions between the US and the European Union are a matter of concern, given the importance of the US market to the Irish food and drink industry, with exports totalling €1.5 billion in 2017. This figure includes Irish Whiskey valued at €576 million and Irish Cream Liqueur valued at €327 million.

Ireland has raised its concerns in relation to Irish whiskey at EU level, including at the recent Informal Trade Policy Committee meeting. Along with other member states, Ireland has acknowledged that there is a need for an EU response to US tariffs, but asked that it be proportionate and balanced.

I believe, ultimately, that a negotiated settlement is the only way to address this current dispute, and that we continue to see the benefits of free trade for manufacturers and consumers, both in the USA and the EU.