Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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698. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to concerns of business owners that engage in trade with the United States in view of the increased pressure and uncertainty posed by tariffs; the additional supports been considered to support this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46313/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The global trading environment has been evolving rapidly over the last number of years. Geopolitical tensions, shifting regulatory environments and supply chain disruptions are reshaping how and where we do business. The introduction of the EU-US tariffs presents notable challenges for many Irish businesses exporting to the US market. Irish exporters are a vital economic pillar in towns and communities around the country. As has consistently been pointed out, international trade is critically important to the vitality of Irish businesses – both the market diversification and the market resilience agendas are central to the long-term prosperity and success of our enterprise base.

The Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification , sets out a path to assist and support Ireland’s businesses, large and small, to adapt to this new environment by striking out into new and diverse markets and deepening their engagement in existing markets. Aligned with the Action Plan on Market Diversification, Enterprise Ireland launched two new grants to support Enterprise Ireland client companies to assess and respond to the impact of US trade tariffs.

• Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Grant offers funding of up to €35,000 for companies to assess the full impact of tariffs, gain market insights and develop mitigation strategies
• Enterprise Ireland’s New Markets Validation Grant offers funding of up to €150,000 for companies to develop market entry strategies for new markets or new products.