Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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72. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State’s response to the proposed Biosecure Act in the United States, to include the measures being taken to address the concerns raised by it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43543/24]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The US Biosecure Act seeks to address national security risks associated with biological manufacturing and the biotechnology sector. The Act imposes restrictions on certain foreign companies and activities that are considered potential threats to U.S. biosecurity, particularly in the context of bio-manufacturing, research, and development.

I am advised that the implications for companies operating in Ireland, given the specific terms of the Act, are minimal but we remain vigilant. I am confident, also, that those businesses which serve the public procurement needs of US authorities operating from Ireland will adapt to ensure their offering complies with the new US legislation. In this regard, it is reported that many US-based life sciences companies are already adjusting their operations with Chinese partners, diversifying the geolocation of their partnerships, and adding background checks for partners in response to the Act.

My Department will seek to ensure that any U.S. regulatory changes do not disadvantage EU-based companies and as Ireland has excellent relations with the U.S., we will engage constructively with U.S. authorities on the matter, should the need arise.