I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together. As part of my St. Patrick’s Day programme in the United States, I visited Austin and Washington DC. My programme in Washington included political, community and economic events. I was hosted at breakfast by the vice president and second lady and had a bilateral meeting with President Trump in the aftermath to celebrate the historic relationship between Ireland and the United States. I also participated in the ceremony and reception at which a bowl of shamrock is presented to the president. My meeting with the president included discussions on strengthening our bilateral relations, including our strong economic relationship. We spoke about the depth of our historic partnership and our strong people-to-people links built on deep ancestral ties. I emphasised the two-way nature of the trade and investment links between Ireland and the US, pointing to the fact that there are 770 Irish companies in the US, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across every state. I also highlighted that Ireland is the sixth largest source of foreign investment in the United States, which is remarkable for a country of our size. I underlined Ireland’s wish to explore how we can further strengthen this relationship, including in areas such as cutting-edge technology. I also updated the president on the current situation in Northern Ireland. I expressed appreciation for the continued role of the United State in supporting the peace process across our island. Northern Ireland is stable and we are investing heavily, both economically and politically, into strengthening our North-South relations. We also discussed global issues, including Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and, of course, the horrific situation in the Middle East. I welcomed the president’s commitment to bringing peace to Ukraine in his first days in office. I also reiterated the long-standing Irish support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Other political engagements included the speaker’s lunch on Capitol Hill, meetings with Speaker Johnson and the Congressional Friends of Ireland caucus, which includes members from both the Republican and Democratic parties. I presented President Trump with a crystal bowl of shamrock at the annual St. Patrick’s Day reception in the White House, continuing a decades-long tradition symbolising the friendship between our two countries. I also invited the president to visit Ireland again, noting the success of his investment in the village of Doonbeg.
Sentiment score: 0.40
In response to Deputy Ó Murchú, at the time of the visit in March, the primary objective of the Government and myself was to protect the Irish economy and jobs in respect of any tariff impositions on European Union goods, in particular Irish goods, from whatever sector. Therefore, we used the opportunity to emphasise the very substantial investment by Irish companies in the United States. We mentioned the substantial positioning of Irish companies in the US and the huge investment flows from Ireland, as well as reciprocal investment by US companies historically in Ireland. It is a very robust and important relationship. That bilateral relationship continues to be important. We will engage with the US Administration bilaterally. Critically, as has been said by Deputy Ó Cearúil and others, the European Union will engage in trade talks and tariff talks with the US. There has been engagement to date but it has not moved into the latter phase of intense negotiations. One would hope after the exchange and phone call of the past week that this will now settle into a serious negotiation that will avoid any of the harm the imposition of tariffs could have on consumers, citizens and the respective economies of Europe and the US. We do not want tariffs. We believe they would be very injurious to our economy and the European and American economies. Ultimately, given the strength of the relationship between Europe and the US, it would damage the world economy. With regard to Deputy Bacik's question, we have to wait and see where tariffs land. We cannot commit public funding in the dark or indicate that we will write a blank cheque without understanding what we are trying to solve and fix it in the first instance. Obviously, a lot depends on what emerges from this in terms of the level of tariffs, if there are to be tariffs, and whether they will apply to all sectors and so forth. Whatever we do has to be fiscally as well as economically sustainable in the longer term. In respect of Gaza and the Middle East, the discussion on the Northern Ireland peace process was such that the president drew parallels between the intensity and ferocity of the violence in Northern Ireland and the horrific bombings that killed so many innocent people, including civilians and what was then happening in the Middle East. What is happening in the Middle East has been going on for a prolonged period but the point is that we said the peace process in Northern Ireland is a potential model to be used in the Middle East and you can deconflictualise a society and create pathways to peace. A two-state solution is, in our view, the optimal way forward, notwithstanding the policies of the Netanyahu government. Deputy Murphy raised the issue of Shannon Airport being use for deportation. Again, the Minister for Foreign Affairs is investigating that, along with the Minister for Transport. There are basic frameworks and international agreements around the landing of planes for civilian purposes. This is an issue we will enquire into further. It is not immediately clear from the international framework agreements on this issue how one can address it. We will examine it further and come back to the Deputy. I join with him in expressing sympathy to Dr. al-Najjar on the loss of nine of his sister-in-law's children. The slaughter of children will come to define Israel's inhumanity to fellow human beings, in this case of Palestinians in Gaza. It is beyond any moral comprehension that such indiscriminate bombing, which is killing thousands of children and innocent civilians and destroys families, can take place. The US has significant power and influence over Israel. Some countries in the European Union have been supporters of the state of Israel for historic reasons, Germany being one, although I note the remarks of the German Chancellor yesterday in respect of the behaviour of the Israeli Government. This Government is not just about fine words. We have taken very practical steps, insofar as we can and in the areas where we can. Contrary to what Deputy Coppinger said, I would not withdraw from the EU. I would try to do more in the EU to bring more people along to the proper course of actions that need to be taken.
Sentiment score: 0.16
We are not going to change a whole lot on our own, to be brutally honest about it.
Sentiment score: -0.18
Within the European Union, we can change. We were effective on UNRWA, for example. When there was a big move on to take funding away from UNRWA, we intervened, doubled down and increased our funding significantly. We said at the Foreign Affairs Council that other countries should not go along with the herd and withdraw their funding. There have been changes in the response of the European Union to the funding of UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority. The European Union remains the biggest donor in the world to the Palestinian Authority at the moment. We cannot forget that. It is very challenging and frustrating because we have a very clear view but not everybody looks at it through the prism that we do. Bringing other countries with us is a huge journey in respect of this horrific war and event. We also work with the United Nations. We have been very active - not words - in the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice on a number of fronts. We have been active on the genocide convention in terms of a very well composed legal argument around the criteria for judging a genocide. We invited the court to consider access to humanitarian aid, conduits to humanitarian aid, intention and so on. Those are actions. I know Deputies on the other side of the House are anxious to say these are fine words but there is no action. These are sustained and pragmatic actions that are within our power and that do and can have an impact. We will continue to do that on a number of issues. The recognition of the Palestinian state was an act, not just fine words, which provoked a significant response and opposition from the Israeli Government and others who support it. Aontaím leis an méid a dúirt an Teachta Ó Muineacháin faoi Gaza, agus an brú filleadh atá ar chosmhuintir Gaza de dheasca an chogaidh uafásaigh atá ann faoi láthair. I gcomhthéacs Tuaisceart na hÉireann, bhí cainteanna suimiúla againn leis an Uachtarán Trump, go háirithe faoin slí ina rabhamar in ann próiseas síochána a chur i bhfeidhm. Deputy Moynihan referred to trade issues. The fundamental issue of the interconnection of supply chains between the US and European Union was discussed. This is not a simple matter. Modern supply chains are very complex. A barrier cannot simply be put up because that can affect the manufacture of goods, the raw materials that are imported to enable companies to produce products and so on. The legacy Act was another issue we discussed with congressional leaders, as well as trade and Northern Ireland. Deputy Malcolm Byrne referred to recent decisions in respect of Harvard. It is surprising the degree to which education has been targeted, in particular higher education. The initiative announced by the Minister, Deputy Lawless, to attract international scholars and research from the US to Ireland is good. In the past we have attracted some significant scholars and research teams to Ireland. They, in turn, produce products and ideas that feed into industry and help to create jobs in our economy. Deputy Ó Cearúil raised a number of issues. I have discussed the tariff and trade issues. I hope that with serious negotiation we can get a deal that will benefit European consumers and citizens as well as consumers in the United States.
Sentiment score: 0.16
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 21, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on the economy, trade and competitiveness last met yesterday and is scheduled to next meet on 14 July. Membership of the committee comprises: the Taoiseach; the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and for Defence; the Minister for Finance; the Minister for public expenditure and infrastructure; the Minister for climate, environment and energy, and for Transport; the Minister for agriculture, food, fisheries and the marine; the Minister for enterprise, tourism and employment; the Minister for arts, media, communications, culture and sport; and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Other Ministers or Ministers of State are invited to participate as required. The committee oversees the implementation of programme for Government commitments related to sustainable economic and employment growth, trade, competitiveness and productivity, innovation, the national digital strategy and pensions. Despite many external challenges, we continue to see strong economic performance, with record numbers of people in work, low levels of unemployment and a return to real wage growth. While the current international trade environment has brought uncertainty, our economy has weathered several challenges in recent years and continues to demonstrate its resilience and ability to adapt to changing global circumstances. We will continue to advance an economic model founded on a well-established and successful pro-enterprise policy framework, a stable and sustainable regulatory and tax environment, with sound management of the public finances, and significant investment in the infrastructure, energy and skills required to ensure our future competitiveness and productivity. For example, in the context of the development of the Government’s new competitiveness and productivity action plan, the committee considers the related challenges of energy costs and infrastructure, research and development, regulatory reform and trade diversification. As with all policy areas, issues relating to the economy are regularly discussed at full Cabinet meetings, where all formal decisions are made.
Sentiment score: 0.25
I thank all the Deputies for raising a range of issues. I think it began with Deputy Ó Murchú. Am I correct? Was it Deputy Bacik? I apologise.
Sentiment score: 0.15
The CETA trade deal was raised by a number of Deputies. I support what Deputy Malcolm Byrne articulated and am opposed to what Deputy Paul Murphy articulated. CETA is in provisional operation as we speak. The figures are interesting for the growth in trade between Ireland and Canada and particularly for Irish exports to Canada, which have gone up something like 460% - I can check it - which is phenomenal. There is also a significant multinational presence of Canadian companies in Ireland and Irish companies are based in Canada. Trade is the bread and butter of the Irish economy. We only put bread and butter on people's tables if we have sufficient trade. We export almost 90% of what we produce so I do not know how Deputy Paul Murphy thinks we can protect the working class and workers if we turn our backs on trade deals. People would lose jobs if we turn our backs-----
Sentiment score: 0.16
-----on trade deals of this kind when the European Union negotiates on behalf of European member states. They have a significant impact on a small open economy such as Ireland, which needs access to markets all over the world. It is that simple.
Sentiment score: 0.27
The Supreme Court did not bury it. It actually indicated the remedy, the avenue to facilitating the legislation for the CETA trade deal, which Deputy Bacik referenced - the Arbitration Act. It was approved today by the Cabinet and will go forward for legislation. The occupied territories Bill was also approved today. The Minister brought it to the Cabinet and it will go to the Dáil and the Oireachtas select committee. On the other issues that were raised and housing in particular, the market is broken at the moment. The State and the Government are leading on housing. The bulk of investment is coming from the Department of housing. All the estimates show that we need without question to build more houses and to build them faster. We are at record levels of Government expenditure through a variety of schemes, including social housing, affordable housing, croí cónaithe and the Land Development Agency. It is all State-led and all the capital is acting as a catalyst for financing private sector development but we definitely need more private sector investment to support and supplement the State-led investment if we are to get to the critical mass of 50,000 units per annum. I am focusing on the how of getting to 50,000, not on the ideology of how to get to 50,000, whereas a lot of people on the other side of the House are focusing on the ideology-----
Sentiment score: 0.13
-----and putting us into straightjackets that would reduce supply. On the councils,-----
Sentiment score: 0.00
-----we will engage with the county councils. The Minister engages with all county councils in this respect. We will engage with Fingal County Council, which the Deputy mentioned, and have done so. The previous Minister did as well, with a lot of good developments. There is a memo coming to the Government, as I said to Deputy Geoghegan on the last occasion - I think he raised it last week - which has not arrived yet. However, as soon as it does, we will bring it to the Government and publish it. The NDP is being worked on by the Minister for public expenditure with all the various Departments. Deputy Shane Brennan raised the retaliatory list. We are in constant engagement with the European Commission in respect of the trade tariffs. If there is a tariff war, there will not be any winners. Our focus is that we hope a negotiated resolution and pathway can be achieved between the European Union and the United States. Aircraft leasing is a significant sector in Ireland. The European Commission is well acquainted with it. Not just now but on previous occasions, such as during the initial outbreak of the war in Ukraine and so forth, Ireland has been supportive of the aircraft leasing sector and the EU has been facilitative and understanding of it. I could not agree more with Deputy Dolan on venture capital. It is a good start to the year. It is perhaps something we have to engage on through various committees of the Dáil. The European Union is now looking at trying to accelerate a saving and investments union. Some member states that are strong in financial services, such as Ireland, have some concerns about centralised authority. I have indicated our commitment to progressing that within the EU because it would release more capital in the EU for venture capital, SMEs and high-potential start-up companies that Enterprise Ireland helps to nurture and develop. Deputy Moynihan referred to indigenous enterprises and their representation on LEEF. IBEC is represented on LEEF. IBEC would claim that it represents small enterprises within IBEC's remit, but others would differ. No doubt those who differ are talking to the Deputy. Suffice to say, the voice of small businesses should be and has been heard. Deputy Bacik raised the issue of sick pay and so on. The previous Government dramatically changed the dial in respect of sick days, giving a statutory protection and bringing it to three days. We have delayed going to five and seven days because of the cost involved for the retail and hospitality sectors. That was well documented during the election and all parties accepted that it was an issue. It is a matter trying to get the balance right when it comes to advancing rights. We have done a good deal in that regard, and there will be continued increases in the minimum wage. The convergence of the minimum wage towards a living wage has also been deferred, and the Minister announced that.
Sentiment score: 0.14
My apologies. There has been extensive engagement with companies. I have been in touch with many of the CEOs of major pharmaceutical, technology and medtech companies. The Tánaiste has been involved and has convened a trade forum. We are involved with Irish companies and multinationals based in Ireland at all levels - diplomatically, politically and business to business - while also trying to ascertain how people at a corporate level in America see this in the context of their interactions with the US Administration.
Sentiment score: 0.09
I do not anticipate that we will hold the referendum in that regard on the same day as the presidential election. I am a great believer that we should have separate referendums on separate issues. The Deputy has been very consistent and persistent on this matter. He is correct that for an innovative economy, we should do it. However, we need to prepare properly for when we decide to have a referendum. We have to do the homework and be in a position to convince people of the merits of the case. We should not spring it upon them as a surprise and have everyone asking questions with a week to go as to what it is about. As we know, you end up losing some of those types of referendums.
Sentiment score: 0.20
I am sorry, Deputy O'Connor. We need to push the caution button. Solar is at approximately 3%. It is growing. Fossil fuel is not sustainable either. We need a balance. We have done well in the context of onshore wind. We have a journey to go on offshore wind, and solar will play a part in that mix. I was in Texas prior to going to Washington, which is the subject matter of all these questions. We think of Texas as a fossil fuel area. It is going to go big on solar, nuclear, wind and battery storage. There will be a mix for quite some time yet in the context of what energy we will use. I take Deputy O'Connor's point. What he is really referring to is a planning issue. He is saying we do not really want a developer-led approach to solar. Some of the proposals that are coming our way might reflect that. We have not had a developer-led approach in respect of wind and offshore wind; it has been a planned approach. This is something we need to discuss with the Deputy again. Perhaps, however, the Minister responsible for planning and housing needs to look at that. The Deputy is concerned about prime agricultural land being used for solar, but many farmers will say it is their entitlement to use the land for whatever purpose. There are real issues here, but I take on board what the Deputy is saying about trade-offs in the economy.
Sentiment score: 0.08