Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

72. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement that has taken place between his Department, relevant Government agencies and companies regarding the threat of trade tariffs and the economic instability created as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21629/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland’s economic model as an open trading economy is based upon access to overseas markets for Irish enterprise and for multinational corporations (MNCs) based here. The rules agreed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) have provide a basis for stable trade and investment decisions with other major partners, including the US over many decades.

The Government is committed to assisting Irish companies navigate the evolving trade landscape and mitigate the effects of tariffs and we are working with our dedicated export agency, Enterprise Ireland, to provide the necessary resources, guidance, and strategic supports. Enterprise Ireland have established a Trade & Tariff Response Team to lead on this response, focused on ensuring Irish exporters are fully briefed on the latest developments and that they understand how this evolving situation may impact them now and in the future. Enterprise Ireland is proactively engaging on a one-to-one basis with 450+ companies who export to the United States. As this is a dynamic situation, my Department through Enterprise Ireland will continue to support Irish exporters as they continue to explore potential mitigation strategies to navigate these challenges, and to assess what opportunities may arise.

IDA Ireland finalised its new five-year strategy within the context of the current shifting geopolitical climate, including in the United States. IDA’s strategic objectives and targets to 2029 that are at the heart of the IDA’s client engagements are to: strengthen long-term investment through ongoing partnership with clients on new opportunities and talent development; to scale-cutting edge innovation and investment in RD&I; to drive sustainable change through investment in green and digital solutions; and to maximise regional opportunities.

Irish enterprises must also be encouraged and supported to take advantage of the market access opportunities presented by our EU membership, in order to promote Ireland’s economic resilience, foster competitiveness and productivity, and strengthen and support our trade and investment model.