Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that while he welcomes the “potential cooling” between China and the US after they agreed on a deal to slash reciprocal tariffs for now, he is concerned by deals that still leave tariffs in place.
Simon Harris is expected to express concern to the Cabinet that last week’s outline trade deal between the United States and the UK could formalise tariffs.
Referring to the UK-US deal, Mr Harris told reporters that it is a “far cry” from where the EU and Ireland wants to be.
Speaking as he arrived at Government Buildings, Mr Harris said that they want to break down trade barriers and make it easier to do business both ways.
He also expressed concerns about tariffs being “solidified” and codified and indicated this is a reminder of the new reality that “we are living in”.
Minister Harris said he will be updating the Cabinet on the current trade and tariff situation ahead of a meeting on Thursday of EU trade ministers.
He said it is a chance to “take stock” in what is a very fast moving situation.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin met Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last Thursday in Brussels, the same day the EU announced its draft countermeasures to proposed US tariffs – should trade talks fail.
The hope in both Dublin and Brussels is that a trade agreement can be reached, and tariffs avoided.
Last week, the US and UK announced an outline trade agreement, and the Tánaiste has discussed the possible implications with Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy.
Mr Harris will inform the Cabinet that initial analysis suggests the potential risk to the all-island economy, from differential tariff rates, has been averted for now.
However, he will also express concern that the US-UK deal solidifies and formalises tariffs, and that the new reality for trading with the Trump administration would be far from the optimum outcome.
The Tánaiste has also been in contact with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič about the EU’s draft countermeasures to try and avoid any unintended consequences for the Irish economy.
Reforms to Ireland’s health and social care system
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will bring two memos to the Cabinet on Sláintecare – the strategy to reform Ireland’s health and social care system by ensuring equal access to health services for every citizen.
The minister will share the 2024 implementation progress report as well as the 2025 plan.
Last year, the cumulative daily trolley count in 2024 fell by 11% on 2023 figures, despite an 8% increase in the number of patients presenting to emergency departments.
The minister will also share an update on the urgent and emergency care situation report for May.
It found that despite attendances at emergency departments in hospitals being 2% higher over the May Bank Holiday weekend, there were 21% fewer patients waiting on trolleys compared to the same period in 2024.
Leaving Certificate reform
Minister for Education Helen McEntee will update the Cabinet on Leaving Certificate Reform, which is due to begin its first phase in September.
Teaching unions, the ASTI and TUI, are to ballot their members on the proposed package, with results expected in early June.
Ms McEntee will tell the Cabinet that the plan would benefit the more than 70,000 students who are about to begin senior cycle, as the changes will reduce the pressure.
She believes the reform also recognises a broader range of skills, and ensures that students have the necessary expertise to thrive.
Around 26,000 teachers have already taken training and there has been €12 million in funding for science labs.
This reform package also includes confirmation of new arrangements for teachers to secure permanent contracts earlier; a reconfiguration of the Croke Park (deal) hours; additional posts of responsibility in schools to support Senior Cycle Redevelopment; and the establishment of working groups on areas such as AI and workload in schools.
