Budget supports for life sciences firms hit by US tariffs a 'priority', says finance minister
While the final shape of a trading agreement between the US and EU remains to be seen, concern has been raised about the impact on the life sciences and medical device industries in even the case of a base rate 15% tariff.
Speaking in Clonmel on Wednesday, Paschal Donohoe said that he would be examining the impact that the agreement between the EU and Ireland will have on the life science sector in Europe, and "what further measures we can take at national level to support a really important pillar of the economy of Ireland".
He said the 15% tariffs that are in place "at least bring certainty regarding where we are, but will still bring cost".
"And what we need to do, and are doing, is working with large employers in life science and elsewhere to look now at how we can support them and the jobs and investment that they have here in Ireland," said the minister.
"We have expertise that we've built up over many, many decades of supporting the life science sector. I will continue to use that expertise to do all we can to protect jobs like we have here in Tipperary."
He said those kinds of investments are replicated all over the length and breadth of Ireland "and it's a really important priority for me as we form the budget".
Mr Donohoe once again reiterated that there will be no cost-of-living package in October's Budget, but said the Government is "very conscious that the cost of living continues to be a challenge for so many".
Ticket prices
Asked if he would be attending this weekend's Oasis concerts in Dublin, the minister said he is "more of a Blur fan", but indicated that he does not want to see the surge in pricing of Oasis tickets to become the norm.
"This is something that the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority has already indicated that it wants to review because these tickets are really expensive.
"They're really expensive because there is a demand for them. Oasis fans are willing to pay a lot of money to go and see them play.
"But I wouldn't like this to be the future of live performances. Live performances are really, really important for fans. Lots of other gigs at the moment continue to be really affordable, and I'd like to see that as being the future."
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