Labour calls for action to protect jobs after EU-US trade deal

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has responded to today’s announcement that the EU and United States have reached agreement on tariffs.

Deputy Bacik said:

“After months of uncertainty, it is a relief to see a deal finally reached between the EU and the United States. Continued uncertainty around pharmaceutical exports, one of Ireland’s most important sectors, highlights just how difficult it is to engage constructively with the Trump administration.

“The ESRI warned that 45,000 jobs could have been at risk in a scenario where 10% tariffs persisted. We need to see certainty so that investment reignites — but for that to happen, businesses must have confidence that the goalposts won’t shift again.

“There’s no question that this will have consequences. We’re calling on Government to be proactive. They must engage with the Irish businesses impacted to ensure jobs are protected and new market opportunities pursued.

“In addition, we in Labour are calling on the Government to fast-track the development of a new, modernised short-time work scheme to ensure that skilled jobs are not lost in sectors under pressure. Other EU countries have long-standing schemes that help employers retain staff during economic shocks. We need a system in place in Ireland that can respond to future volatility or sectoral downturns quickly and effectively.”