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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Ukraine solidarity and tariffs

Summary

Deputy Bacik welcomed the Taoiseach's meeting with President Zelenskyy and asked for a briefing on Ireland's risk assessment amid Trump's tariff threats. The Tánaiste responded by stressing process, the Dáil reform committee's outcome, and his willingness to engage without undermining it.

I welcome the news that the Taoiseach will be meeting Ukraine's President Zelenskyy today. It is very important that we reaffirm our solidarity with Ukraine, particularly at a time when US President Trump is intent on tearing up the international rules-based order with his appalling positions on Ukraine and Gaza. Recently, President Trump announced that he is intent on imposing a 25% tariff on goods imported from the EU. In the spirit of mutual co-operation and engagement, I ask that the Tánaiste, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, brief Opposition leaders on the risk assessment for Ireland and for jobs here of this proposal to impose these outrageous tariffs.

I was very disappointed to hear of the Tánaiste's flat refusal or denial of any intent to meet Opposition leaders on the issues around Standing Order reform. All five of the Opposition leaders reached out to him and the Taoiseach yesterday to seek a meeting in order that we can bring calm heads to bear on resolving the issue in a measured way.

I am disappointed to hear the Tánaiste say he will not meet us and I hope he will rethink this.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I accept the Deputy has been constructive in her framing but I have seen very little evidence of calm in this place today or in recent days on this matter. I am always happy to engage but I am also respectful of process. The Dáil reform committee, which has representatives of all our parties, has now concluded its process by way of a democratic vote. I do not intend to undermine that or undermine my party colleagues or others who have worked extraordinarily hard - as have the Deputy's colleagues - regarding these matters. It is at a point where we may not agree but I believe the process has concluded.

On the broader point on trade and tariffs, that is a good idea and I would be very happy to do that. Yesterday, I had the first meeting of the newly established trade forum. Let me try to establish this for either next week or the week after. I would be happy to engage constructively with the Opposition on that.

Comment on this