Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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69. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the recent engagement there has been between his Department, the US administration, the EU, unions and industry on the issue of possible American tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37591/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since the outset of this dispute, I have always stressed the importance of dialogue. The Government is continuing its outreach and engagement on trade with the US and the European Commission, key EU partners, as well as domestic stakeholders. On Thursday 12 June, I held a positive virtual meeting with United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, including a constructive exchange of views on the negotiations between the US and EU. On Monday 16 June, I held a positive call with Trade Commissioner Šefcovic, where we discussed the negotiations and the EU’s proposed rebalancing measures. I assured the Commissioner that Ireland will always be a constructive voice at the table. The goal has always been a mutually beneficial agreement that works for everyone. At the same time, we must protect Irish and EU interests.

In recent weeks, I also have met with several key EU partners to discuss the issue, including my Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. There will be a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade on Monday 14 July in Brussels.

In this incredibly uncertain and challenging international trading environment I also recognise how important it is to engage with domestic stakeholders, including the unions and industry. On Wednesday 2 July, I chaired the sixth meeting of the Government Trade Forum which focused on protecting Irish jobs and the economy. At that meeting I updated members on my recent engagement with Commissioner Šefcovic and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Minister Paschal Donohoe T.D. presented updated modelling from the Department of Finance of the impacts arising from recent trade developments including on tariffs. The Forum also had an opportunity to consider its Work Plan and received an update on the development of the Action Plan on Market Diversification. There was also a presentation on Ireland’s new national semiconductor strategy ‘Silicon Island’ and a discussion with sectoral representatives.

Following the developments of the last few days, the Government will continue and intensify its engagement and outreach with the US Administration, the EU, and domestic stakeholders.