11. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Finance if he can detail the key impact of the ESRI working paper, The Impact of Deglobalisation and Protectionism on a Small Open Economy - The Case of Ireland, on policy in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15839/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

My question relates to the policy response to tariffs that were hypothetical when I tabled it and that are now real. I am concerned about a creeping narrative emerging from certain quarters within the Opposition, and Sinn Féin in particular, which seeks to pitch Ireland against Europe in the response. Does the Minister agree that in our response to this we need more, and not less, Europe? The Single Market now stands as a shining light for free trade and the rule of law. What we need in response is Europe working together.

Sentiment score: 0.23

I thank the Minister. There is no sugar-coating the tariff announcements made yesterday evening. We are only beginning to understand their effects. It is now the reality that the United States, which started globalisation, is seeking to bring an end to it. We in the European Union need to be proud of what we have done in developing the largest single market in the world. We need to ensure we do more in Europe to better enhance in particular our banking market and the impact this can have. The history of Europe has always been forged in crisis. The response to these crises has always made Europe better and led to more prosperity and more peace. We need to ensure that Ireland remains at the heart of this. We need to take measures at domestic level. Most of this will be in the form of investment in infrastructure. As a result of the decisions we have made in the past, we have the money available to make that investment.

Sentiment score: 0.18