Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, during his recent trip to America, he was provided with clarity on what impact President Trump's tariffs will have on Ireland's agrifood produce sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25706/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Last month, I led an inward visit to the United States in conjunction with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland which included meetings in Washington DC, Kentucky and Chicago. This visit was successful and timely as it gave a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of the two-way trading relationship between Ireland and the United States. I was also able to highlight Ireland’s approach to agri-food development as a source of safe, secure and sustainable agri-food products.

In Washington DC, I held a series of meetings with senior US political representatives, including my counterpart Brooke Rollins, Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture, which focused on engaging with the new US Administration to promote the importance of the Irish-US bilateral agri-food relationship. I outlined that whilst the United States is the second biggest export market for Irish agri-food products, Irish companies are also investing into the United States, creating employment for thousands of people and importantly buying produce from American farmers.

My meeting with Secretary Rollins also offered the opportunity to reiterate the importance of dialogue between the EU and US and for lines of communication to be maintained and developed during the current tensions. This dialogue and cooperation between both parties is key in addressing perceived trade barriers on both sides.

In relation to tariffs, Ireland’s consistent position remains that we need to get into a substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States to avoid damage to our bilateral trade. This is also the position of the EU.

I am conscious that the additional tariff rate of 10% on all imports to the US, in place since 9 April, directly impacts agri-food exports to the US. However, the 90 day pause on the US side in relation to the higher tariff rates originally announced on 2 April, along with the EU also pausing its own countermeasures has created the conditions for meaningful negotiation.

Ireland, as part of the EU, wants to play a constructive role and will continue to be a voice for calm and measured engagement in the time ahead.