'Let's not pretend this is good news' - TD on trade deal
TD calls for a support package for businesses most impacted by tariffs.
The leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins has today (July 30) raised concerns following confirmation that a 15% tariff will be imposed on EU exports to the United States.
Deputy Collins described the EU-US trade deal as a "significant blow" to Irish manufacturers, exporters, and rural communities.
The Cork South-West TD acknowledged that the revised rate avoids the previously threatened 30% tariff, but warned that the final agreement represents a "serious setback" for Irish exporters.
He believes that the deal leaves the Irish economy vulnerable "at a time of unprecedented international uncertainty".
Deputy Collins said: "15% may be better than 30%, but let's not pretend this is good news.
"For exporters in sectors like pharma - many of them based in rural Ireland - this is a hammer blow to competitiveness."
"The sectors of the Irish economy that will be most heavily impacted by these tariffs must be protected at a national level," Deputy Collins added.
The TD has called on the government to introduce a package of financial supports to ensure businesses in vulnerable sectors "remain viable".
He believes that that government cannot allow Irish businesses and workers to pay the price for "brinkmanship" between global powers.
Deputy Collins said he has spoken with several business leaders in his constituency who are "deeply alarmed" by the deal struck between the EU Commission and the US.
He said: “There is a real and growing fear that once again Ireland is being treated as a pawn – or worse, a guinea pig – in a geopolitical game played far above our heads. Ireland is not just some side note in EU-US trade.
"The time has come for our government to stop cow-towing to the EU or the US and to start standing up for Irish jobs and Irish enterprise"
"This is not the moment for polite diplomacy or shrugging our shoulders. These tariffs will hit Irish SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and exporters in towns and villages the length and breadth of the country – many of whom are already struggling under the weight of inflation, energy costs and shifting global supply chains," Deputy Collins added.
The TD called on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to lead a "coordinated diplomatic offensive" to protect Irish interests, and explore all available supports for the most affected sectors.
