Tánaiste to chair consultative group to help Ireland prepare for possible trade shocks

Potential US tariffs will be a topic of discussion at Wednesday’s first meeting of the Consultative Group on International Trade.

Set up two weeks ago and chaired by Tánaiste Simon Harris, the group is tasked with helping Ireland prepare for any potential trade shocks, particularly from the US.

The meeting at Government Buildings will be attended by ministers, state agencies and business groups.

Speaking in the Dáil two weeks ago, Harris spoke about the reason behind setting up the group.

“On February 5th 2025, the Government agreed to my proposal to establish a Consultative Group on International Trade Policy.

“The Group is being established to facilitate engagement with key domestic stakeholders on the latest and emerging trade and investment development opportunities.

“In line with the transfer in responsibilities for trade policy to my Department in the Programme for Government, it will be chaired by me as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.”

He said as a small, highly globalised economy, it is of the “utmost importance we maintain a strategic focus on the international trading environment.”

The Tánaiste added the Group will focus on the entirety of Ireland’s trading relationships, including the opportunities arising from EU trade agreements, emerging markets, and consideration of how best to advance Ireland’s economic interests with our largest bilateral trading partners.

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“It will be outcome-focused and guided by a work plan to be developed by the Group and updated periodically.

“Membership of the Consultative Group will include Ministers and senior officials from other relevant Government Departments, and senior business and sectoral representatives including from relevant business representative groups and organisations, senior leadership from state agencies including Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and IDA Ireland.”

Mr Harris said it would also engage with key businesses and senior business leaders, who will be invited to attend meetings of the forum depending on the topics and regions involved.

Attendees would also be drawn from a range of businesses and strategically important sectors with due consideration to gender balance and regional diversity.

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