Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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193. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefcovic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26986/25]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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221. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagements he has had with the EU regarding protecting Ireland from the tariff war. [17197/25]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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242. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic engagements he is planning to advocate for a fair trading environment for Irish exporters to the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27348/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 193, 221 and 242 together.

With regard to the current trade dispute with the US, Ireland’s consistent position remains that we need a substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also the position of the EU, which has shared a constructive proposal for scoping out a negotiation between the two sides.

The suspension of US tariffs, 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

Since this dispute began, I have been in frequent communication with the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefcovic. At the last meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade on 15 May, I had a productive discussion with the Commissioner regarding the EU’s approach to negotiations with the US. I underlined Ireland’s support for these negotiations and that they should remain the focus for both the EU and Ireland. A negotiated solution remains very clearly the goal and the preferred outcome.

Furthermore, there is ongoing and intensive engagement at an official level with the European Commission. Following the publication of rebalancing measures earlier this month, my Department, as well as officials in the Permanent Representation in Brussels, have conveyed Irish views and sensitivities to the Commission services. This engagement will continue.

I and other members of the Government will also continue our outreach on trade issues with our EU counterparts and key partners, and in this regard I have had several calls and bilateral meetings in recent months.

In addition, we will also continue our engagement with the US Administration. I had a productive meeting with Secretary Lutnick last month where we agreed to stay in contact on this issue.

The Deputy can rest assured that this Government will always be an advocate for dialogue, discussion and diplomacy in this dispute. This is the way towards a solution.