Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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282. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the representations he has made to the European Commission regarding ensuring the potential exposure of Irish whiskey to US tariffs is reduced; and if they, in recent months, have sought that whiskey not be an item included in the EU's retaliatory tariffs. [13144/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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As the operational aspects of the transfer of particular files and functions regarding trade policy will be managed between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over the coming period, this matter is one that I am updated regularly on.

The Government regrets the US Administration’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU and other trade partners. It leaves the EU with no choice but to take the necessary and proportionate action to defend the interests of Irish and European businesses, workers and citizens.

We want to avoid a series of escalating tit-for tat tariffs. They are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated supply chains, which benefit businesses and employers on both sides of the Atlantic.

There are, of course, sectoral specific risks as we have seen with the threats of potential retaliatory tariffs on European spirits and beverages. The Irish agrifood sector is one of our most important indigenous sectors and Irish Whiskey and other beverages are a key part of that sector. Close coordination with the European Commission will be essential in the period ahead.

My officials are engaging very actively with the Commission and other EU Member States on what is a very serious and evolving situation. The Government has made our concerns clearly know to the EU. The Tánaiste spoke with Commissioner Šefčovič last week and is in close contact with EU Trade Ministers. We know that the EU stands ready to find a negotiated solution with the US. Its countermeasures can be reversed at any time if such a solution is found.

Ireland remains committed to the principles of free and open trade, which have underpinned our economic success. Free and open trade brings economic opportunities, creates well-paid jobs and fosters innovation. It builds economic resilience within a strong, rules-based international trading system and that message is one that we need to advocate for.