move:
That Dáil Éireann:
recognises that:
— Ireland is the most exposed country in the European Union (EU) to a United States (US) tariffs war, and while a reprieve has been given to the pharma sector, the landing zone on tariffs is still not known;
— a full-scale tariff … pharmaceuticals and chemicals;
— Ireland is a small open economy, and a fall in international trade, precipitated by the increase in global tariffs, will hit Ireland hard;
— Ireland is potentially facing a fall in employment and job creation, leaving many indigenous businesses, especially in the agri-food sector
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In debates
lose proposition. Ultimately, everyone loses, and the poorest lose most of all. That is why the announcements on tariffs made by the US Administration on 2 April are so deeply concerning and regrettable. They have had an immediate and negative impact on global financial markets and there … markets today. The medium- to long-term consequences for the world economy will be grave indeed if solutions are not found. A baseline tariff of 10% on all countries entered into force on 5 April, with further tariffs coming into effect today. This will mean a blanket
sure we are all relieved that so far pharmaceuticals and chemicals have been exempted from the 20% tariff imposed on exports to the USA from the EU. However, reports are now suggesting that President Trump will be introducing tariffs on these sectors.
While tariffs are usually seen … tool to protect local industries, they can also have a negative impact for small, export-driven economies likes ours in Ireland. Tariffs imposed by the USA in 2018 and reciprocal tariffs imposed by the EU resulted in reduced trade in steel and aluminium. That should have been
move amendment No. 2:
To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following:
"notes that the United States (US) has implemented tariffs on all of its trading partners, with the European Union (EU) and Ireland facing tariffs of:
— 25 per cent on steel, aluminium and derivatives … goods since 5th April, rising to 20 per cent on 9th April;
further notes that the pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors are excluded from tariffs at this moment, along with the commodities of wood/lumber and copper;
regrets that the US action will undermine the global trading system and economic
That is really the centre of all of this. At the end of it, we recognise that the trade barriers or the trade tariffs being put in place are going to damage the American economy and ordinary American citizens hugely. We all hope that will rebound back … bring a change in direction by the American Administration. The imposition of 20% tariffs by the US on EU exports, however, comes into effect today. It is damaging Ireland. It will damage Irish agriculture and our food and drinks industry. At the moment, Ireland exports almost one quarter
prosperity of ordinary people. That is the reality but this is the prospect we now face. It is unprecedented to use blanket tariffs to force broader trade and foreign policy objectives. US blanket tariffs are an unjustified act of economic aggression and they are going to damage … global economy. Ireland's economy and the prosperity of our people are uniquely exposed to US tariffs and this has been brought home by President Trump's comments over the past 24 hours, in which he has again threatened additional tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector. The sector received
social welfare and education. I often think this fact is lost on many people.
I wish to raise four specific issues relating to tariffs. First, I will put some context on the current effective tariffs. Second, I will discuss lessons from history on tariffs. Third, I will discuss … what Ireland should do in relation to tariffs and, fourth, I will discuss our future international trade strategy.
The US economy is large but the EU economy is also large, being two thirds the size of the US one but equal in terms of purchasing power parity. Similarly
Later this evening, the US President is expected to announce widespread tariffs on imports into the United States. While the severity and scope of these tariffs are yet unknown, it is clear that what is about to happen will present a significant economic challenge to Ireland. The hard … action taken does not exacerbate potential damage. It is crucial, therefore, that there is no knee-jerk reaction from the EU. Counter-tariffs are not in Ireland's interests. The ESRI has been clear that the Trump tariffs will be damaging and that automatic counter-tariffs from
down barriers. He wants unfettered access to every market, and the EU is front and centre in that agenda. What Trump calls reciprocal tariffs are no such thing. I watched him as he waved the US trade estimates report, a US document that clearly sets out that … average EU tariff is 5% on US goods. Fact and reality took a back seat last night when he went on to claim that the EU has tariffs of 39% on US products. What Trump did was an act of self-sabotage that will heap higher costs
welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. While there will be further statements on tariffs this evening, it is positive that we are holding this debate now regarding how the economies on this island, both North and South, can be protected against the impact of tariffs announced … housing and the ongoing crisis in our health service. We cannot and will not allow the imposition of, or the threat of future, tariffs to drop election commitments or, worse, herald in austerity measures. Now, more than ever, we must prepare ambitious investment on housing, health, infrastructure
about to go through and we wish him a full recovery.
There is some distance to travel here yet on the issue of tariffs and trade wars. It is very serious and grave. The initial focus has to be on whether we can get this onto a negotiation … pathway. The Deputy correctly said that issues have been raised around non-tariff barriers. The US has a list of what it perceives to be non-tariff barriers in relation to the entry of US goods - chlorinated chicken or whatever - into the European Union. Likewise, the European Union
hyperbole. He spoke about global economic activity increasingly fragmenting along political lines, about storm clouds and about how tariff-related issues will interact with other structural challenges, such as ageing populations, AI, climate change and high public debt, and he called it unprecedented. Having said that, I hope … just how serious this issue is. However, the truth is that at this point we do not know how much damage these tariffs will do to the Irish economy. We know that a 20% flat tariff will apply to all EU exports. We also know that tariffs
some time that the policies of successive Governments have left Ireland uniquely vulnerable to a change in the economic climate and to tariffs. This is due to their failure to invest in infrastructure, their excessive reliance on tax incentives, and their failure to build up our indigenous industry … These moves by Donald Trump and his Administration to introduce tariffs have caused a great deal of concern among the thousands of people working in US multinational companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Each day we see more concerning news. There are threats today of further tariffs
motion and thank our colleagues in Aontú for putting it forward. We welcome the opportunity this morning and later today to speak on tariffs. We urged that this time be made available so that we can discuss this crisis. We in the Social Democrats share deep concerns about … impact of these tariffs on Irish jobs, the economy and consumers. These concerns are shared across the globe because so many people will be impacted by them. In particular, I want to mention the news we woke up to this morning that pharma, as we had suspected
could see drugs becoming inaccessible through increased costs, shortages or indeed supply lines being disrupted.
The Irish economy is particularly vulnerable to a tariff war due to its deep reliance on international trade and its unique economic structure, with its heavy reliance on large American multinationals that … springboard into the European Union. A tariff war between the major economic blocs of the US and the EU will disrupt these trade flows, reduce competitiveness and lead to job losses in sectors dominated by foreign direct investment. Ireland's openness to trade, reliance on foreign firms
There is no justification for the tariffs being imposed, except to pull the wealth generation of multinational corporations from Ireland, Europe and other parts of the world back to the US. However, that does not recognise that these companies are in fact multinational by nature and by location … devaluing of shares and stock prices, would have a devastating effect. There will no doubt be pushback by the American public against these tariffs when they feel the full force of their negative impact. We have already seen some of this pushback commence. This is another reason
trade development that is a major challenge for the global economy and one that casts a dark shadow over prospects for the economy. Tariffs, to put it simply, are taxes on consumption and investment and they are bad for economic growth and jobs. To frame last week … essential that we continue to be careful with how we manage budgetary policy to respond to this time of change.
On the recent tariff announcements, we are now seeing changes that are historic in nature. Additional tariffs of 50% on Chinese imports to America have been announced, taking
President Trump's tariffs are an unjustified act of aggression that will damage the US and the global economy. A full trade war has the risk of unleashing a global recession and that is the scale of threat we possibly face. The stakes are high and now more … every decision. It needs to be the prism through which we make all these decisions.
We cannot get away from the fact tariffs are taxes. They are either paid by the companies or by consumers and what Trump is selling to the American people is a fantasy when
welcome the opportunity to make statements on the tariffs that we know are worrying people across the globe, this country and my constituency of Dublin Rathdown. Tá faitíos ar go leor daoine fud fad na tíre. Tá an faitíos sin orthu mar gheall ar a gcuid post … have been held together by the Windsor Framework and now needs to be looked at anew in the current context in which differential tariff rates apply and there is potential for differential rates with regard to the EU retaliation.
On the EU level response, the EU is obviously
impossible to see any justification for the imposition of tariffs by the US on EU exports. It is deeply regrettable the US has decided to impose 20% tariffs on imports from throughout the European Union. This worry is only compounded by Donald Trump's recent announcement that … will target pharmaceuticals with major tariffs. Every opportunity for negotiation must be utilised. Ireland will be a strong advocate for an outcome which enhances the existing strong transatlantic trading relationship. Ireland, along with other European Union member states, is engaging on an ongoing basis with the European Commission
vulnerabilities and legitimate anxiety about what these developments might mean for jobs, investment and growth.
There is no doubt that the introduction of tariffs by the US Administration on imports from the EU presents a significant economic challenge for Ireland. It is because of these threats that … respond to the threats we are facing. It is the Government's firm belief that any response from the EU to the US tariffs should be fair and proportionate and should carefully consider impacts on Ireland.
This afternoon the European Commission will seek agreement of EU member states
diagnosis and treatment.
Already, less than a week after the Rose Garden announcement, we are seeing the potentially catastrophic effect of Trump's tariffs. These so-called reciprocal tariffs, apparently drawn up on the back of a napkin, have already created massive global uncertainty and are putting entire … global level, the tit for tat has started with China and the EU will later today announce a response to the 25% steel tariffs. It is welcome to hear that whiskey, wine and dairy products will be left out to protect EU, and indeed our own, alcohol
together.
I thank Deputy Boland for this question. I reiterate that I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium and derivative products from the EU and other trade partners, effective from 12 March last. I am also aware of the announcement … Administration on 26 March of its plans to introduce tariffs against the auto sector from 2 April. I met my counterpart from Slovakia in recent days, a country with a major car industry. We are all conscious in Ireland and across the European Union tonight that tomorrow there
This question relates to the potential impact on unemployment and tax revenues as a result of the announcement of US tariffs. We heard what Donald Trump had to say last night, with 20% tariffs being imposed on this State. Pharmaceuticals will not be the subject of a tariff … hold our breath in relation to that. We have the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, and Department of Finance modelling on 25% tariffs and a reciprocal tariff from the EU and their impact in the context of job losses and potential income from taxation. Has any early
Before I get into the important specifics the Deputy raised, I will reflect on the announcements relating to the tariffs introduced by the Trump Administration. Free trade has been at the centre of the Irish and European economies for many decades. However, it is clear that the global … economic landscape has changed. Tariffs are being imposed in respect of trade into the United States at a level that is historically high. We are moving into a trading and economic world that will change. This will have consequences for the Irish economy and the global economy
In parliamentary questions
Ged Nash
Written
Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he is concerned at the impact of US tariffs on the public finances; the preparations he is making to secure the public finances in regard to the potential impact of tariffs on the Exchequer; and if he will make
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Written
Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the strategies being pursued to protect and strengthen Ireland's competitiveness, in light of escalating U.S. tariffs. [20972/25
Liam Quaide
Written
Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether his Department has assessed the effects of US trade tariffs on the economic viability of developing a floating storage and regasification unit for use as a gas emergency reserve; and if he will make
Michael Cahill
Written
Finance to review as a matter of priority the taxation system, given the pressure that will be brought to bear by the USA tariffs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18669/25
Jen Cummins
Written
Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to ensure possible tariffs don't impact the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland. [19362/25
Brian Stanley
Written
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the future revenue of the all-Island economy, given that tariffs are 10% in the North and 20% here, which is creating a two-tier trading arrangement with Ireland; and if he will make
Brian Stanley
Written
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will support measures from Europe or not to deal with the proposed tariffs by the US that may be damaging to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18143/25
Brian Stanley
Written
measures, he plans to put in place in the case of lost revenue given that Trump and the US administration has imposed 20% tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18141/25
Ged Nash
Written
other Government Departments on the question of short-time work supports in the context of the announcement by President Trump of new tariffs on EU goods on 2 April; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18270/25
Paul McAuliffe
Written
Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is considering additional supports for SME’s given the recent tariff announcement by the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18285/25
Ged Nash
Written
review supports for workers who are put on short-time work in the context of the impact on workers and businesses of the tariffs announced by the US President on 2 April; if he will consider introducing a scheme similar to the German Kurzarbeit scheme
Eoin Hayes
Written
activities, diplomatic engagements or advocacy missions his Department will undertake in the United States over the next six months in response to the tariff announcement of 2 April 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17863/25
Eoin Hayes
Written
Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in shaping the Government’s strategic response to the US tariffs announced on 2 April 2025; the resources allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17864/25
Eoin Hayes
Written
Employment if his Department has carried out a sectoral analysis to identify industries or regions in Ireland most exposed to the new US tariff measures; the outcome of any such analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17865/25
Pearse Doherty
Oral
Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to outline the potential impact on employment and tax revenues from possible US tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16502/25
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Oral
mitigate and support the most vulnerable sectors of the economy from the potential risks for substantial economic disruption due to impending US tariffs. [15890/25
Aindrias Moynihan
Oral
Finance the engagement he has had to date with the EU Commission and other EU member states on the evolving situation of tariff increases by the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16161/25
Catherine Connolly
Oral
asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 2 of 13 February 2025, the analysis to establish the impact that US tariffs will have on the economy; the preparations being made to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter
Barry Heneghan
Written
Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Finance the other tariffs that the United States could impose that could deeply impact the Irish economy, excluding pharmaceutical exports. [16086/25
Barry Heneghan
Written
Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Finance the preparations his Department has undertaken to protect the Irish economy from potential US tariffs, specifically those that target the pharmaceutical industry. [16085/25
Joe Neville
Written
Neville asked the Minister for Finance the engagement he has had with the Minister with responsibility for trade with regard to potential tariffs on Irish goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15714/25
Pearse Doherty
Written
Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to outline the potential economic impact of reciprocal EU counter tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16305/25
Paul Murphy
Written
Minister for Finance the steps he plans to take to compensate for potential reductions in Government revenues as a result of US tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16152/25
Pearse Doherty
Written
Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to outline economic growth projections set out under each tariff scenario in the joint paper by his Department and the ESRI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16306/25
Ged Nash
Written
Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance his views on the impact the imposition of tariffs by the United States will have on jobs, the economy and the public finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16297/25
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