US tariffs on Irish whiskey
Deputy Sherlock warned that proposed US tariffs could severely damage Irish whiskey exports and asked for an exemption. The Minister said she would pass the message to the relevant Minister.
Given that today is 4 July, it is perhaps apposite that I raise the proposed imposition by the US of tariffs on Irish whiskey exports. We are told by IBEC that this could cost the whiskey industry €400 million in loss of exports. It is vital that this issue is raised by Government with the US Administration. I ask that the Government give a commitment that Irish exports of whiskey products to the United States would be protected and that the Government would seek an exemption for Irish whiskey sales from those proposed tariffs.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I will pass his message on to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. I have no doubt that she will continue to do an exemplary job representing the valuable Irish whiskey industry.