Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the possible impact of US tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15337/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since taking office, I have met and spoken with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a number of occasions, and we have established a very cordial and productive working relationship.

Officials from my Department are also in ongoing contact with officials in the NIO and in the Northern Ireland Executive, and we have a number of channels of communication for discussing any issues that arise.

On the specific issue of US tariffs, as the Deputy will be aware, US global tariffs have already been levied on aluminium and steel products, and further global tariffs on cars and car parts have just been announced. Given that these are global tariffs, they apply equally to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and to the EU.

The situation as regards any additional tariffs which may be imposed by the US administration, however, remains unclear. It is not possible at this juncture to say where, and how, they would impact.

Officials from my Department remain in ongoing contact with the NIO and with the Executive Office and we will continue to monitor developments very closely and to consult with other concerned parties as appropriate.