Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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104. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the communications he has had with the European Commission to date in 2025, in respect of the impact of tariffs on the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50338/25]

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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107. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline communications he has had with the European Commission to date in respect of the impact of tariffs on the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50350/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 107 together.

Since the current Administration entered into office in January this year, the impact of US tariff policy on Ireland’s exports to the US has been a priority for the Government. In this regard, we have had ongoing contacts with the European Commission to discuss Irish concerns, including with regard to impacts on sectors, including pharmaceutical and medtech sectors. This is done formally through Ireland’s representation at the Trade Policy Committee, COREPER and the Foreign Affairs Council of Trade Ministers, where EU-US trade relations have been regularly discussed throughout the year. We are also in constant bilateral contact with the Commission and I have discussed Ireland’s concerns on a number of occasions directly with Commissioner Šefcovic, who is due to visit Ireland in October.

The Joint Statement on an EU-US Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade was published on 21 August. That deal confirms a single, all-inclusive 15% tariff on EU goods, including current Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates. EU goods will therefore be subject to a 15% ceiling tariff except where the MFN rate is higher. It also provides assurance that the 15% rate will extend to pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The Joint Statement also includes lower tariff rate carve outs for aircraft and aircraft parts, automobile and automobile parts, with further carve outs to be determined for certain products in generic pharmaceuticals and chemical precursors. These tariff rates will be at the pre-existing US MFN rate, most of which are zero.

The Governments intention is to see what other carve outs, within the EU-US Framework Agreement, can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters including spirits, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. We fully appreciate that there will be disappointment and deep concern in these sectors.

The Government Trade Forum, established in February 2025, comprises Government Ministers, State Agencies, business organisations, trade union and other representative groups and was set up to facilitate engagement with key domestic stakeholders on latest and emerging trade developments and opportunities. The Forum has met eight times to date this year. This provides Government with industry views on the impacts of tariffs, including with regard to pharmaceuticals and medtech sectors, which helps to inform the Government position in its communications with the Commission.

We will continue to work in close contact, both with stakeholders here at home and with the Commission to achieve the best possible outcomes for Ireland.