Tánaiste Simon Harris told the Fine Gael parliamentary party tonight that the country needs to stay "composed and proceed with caution" ahead of looming US tariffs next month.
He told his TDs, Senators and MEPs at Leinster House that it is currently anticipated that a series of announcements from the US regarding EU tariffs will be made in early April, but the EU is unlikely to respond, to such a development, until mid-April.
He said, following his trip to the US, it was the strong view of top executives whom he met, that these announcements will be made on 2 April.
Mr Harris said the US administration is unlikely to engage with the EU in any intensive way until after these announcements were made.
He said Ireland must proceed with caution. He said those politicians and parties who previously wanted Fine Gael not to run budget surpluses or bolster the rainy day fund should be looking at their position now.
On housing, Mr Harris said numerous party colleagues had recently provided examples of issues nationwide which are impeding the delivery of more homes.
He said these included huge connection charges to properties from Uisce Éireann, planning assessments, wastewater infrastructure deficiencies, power supply connection waiting times, the bureaucratic and inconsistent nature of our planning system and zoning decisions.
Mr Harris said the housing emergency needs to be treated as an emergency by every part of the State including every local authority and State agency.
He said Fine Gael had to ensure everyone treats it as an emergency.
