Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
159. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his engagement to date, and the details of further engagements planned with the United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick; if the trade imbalance between the US and Ireland were and will be discussed in the future given the escalating tariff risks between the EU and the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15500/25]
View answer171. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent conversation with the US secretary of commerce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15452/25]
View answer229. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his phone call discussion with US Commerce Secretary (details supplied) on 24 March 2025; whether the Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 was mentioned during that phone call; and, if so, the discussions regarding the bill. [15356/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159, 171 and 229 together.
I had a productive first call with United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday 24 March. This was an important opportunity to engage with Secretary Lutnick, a key figure in the administration with wide responsibility for matters of trade and commerce. This conversation was focused on the approach of the new US Administration, in advance of the anticipated introduction of further tariffs on the EU by President Trump on 2 April.
I took the opportunity to update the Secretary on developments in relation to Ireland’s economy, including taxation policy. I underlined the mutually beneficial nature of the economic relationship between the U.S and Ireland, including for US companies using Ireland as a gateway to the European market. We discussed the 200,000 Americans now directly employed by Irish companies across all 50 States and Ireland’s status as the 6th largest source of foreign direct investment into the U.S. We exchanged views on trade policy and tariffs, and we agreed to engage further.
Just before I spoke to Secretary Lutnick, I had a useful exchange with Commissioner Sefcovic, who was in Washington last week for meetings with senior figures in the US administration with responsibility for trade. The EU stands ready to find a negotiated solution with the US and I fully support Commissioner Sefcovic's efforts in this regard.
My view on tariffs is clear. They are economically counterproductive, disrupt deeply integrated transatlantic supply chains, drive inflation, and hurt consumers. Intensive discussions are underway at EU level on a potential response. While the Commission has confirmed its intention to publish a list of possible counter measures immediately upon the imposition of tariffs, there will be a further period of discussion amongst member states before a final decision on countermeasures is made. In addition there will be a further period between a decision on countermeasures being taken at EU level and the implementation of these measures, providing further space for negotiation and discussion.
In an uncertain global economic environment, Ireland and the EU will continue focus on factors that we can control, including improving our competitiveness and investing in infrastructure as well as reacting strongly in European interests.
