Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2025
26. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the next EU Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38054/25]
View answer34. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on his recent discussions with EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. [38056/25]
View answer35. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had further engagement with US Trade Secretary, Jamieson Greer, since 12 June 2025, specifically on the issue of Irish exports to the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38151/25]
View answerThe Government is continuing its outreach and engagement on trade with the US and the European Commission, as well as with key EU partners.
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. During the call I had the opportunity to outline the hugely successful two-way economic relationship between the US and Ireland. I explained how tariffs threaten this relationship and are bad for business, bad for consumers and bad for workers on both side of the Atlantic. I also reiterated that negotiations remain the main focus for both the EU and Ireland and welcomed the intensification of engagement, including Ambassador Greer’s recent meeting with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Šefcovic.
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. I remain in close contact with Commissioner Šefcovic.
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 further opportunity for engagement at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade which will take place next Monday 14 July in Brussels. This will be an opportunity to discuss the developments of the last few days with regard to EU-US trade relations. Other important items on the agenda include EU-China relations, as well as other ongoing trade negotiations.
