International Developments: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Brian Brennan (FG), Wicklow-Wexford

In relation to the very fluid situation that is playing out between the United States and Greenland, can the Minister of State give me an update on what plans are in place in the event of the impending threat of an increase in tariffs for all countries that do not support America's desire to take over Greenland?
When it comes to tariffs, there are absolutely no winners. We understand the EU is a very powerful bloc and the US needs access to our 400 million residents. However, these tariffs could, in the words of our own Tánaiste, have a spiralling effect and will have significant financial consequences for many of our industries. I totally agree with the previous speaker about the need for cool heads, but we also need to show a strong backbone in our negotiations. I know the Minister of State is in agreement with me that the powerful Irish diaspora must play a part in this. That includes many prominent Irish business leaders. We must use these key persons in an effort to address our concerns. If we do not meet this head on and demonstrate strength at this stage, there is no telling who, or where, the next target will be for the American Administration.
While Gaza may be gone from the headlines, we are supposedly moving into the second phase of a very fragile ceasefire. We cannot forget that we have witnessed the genocide of more than 70,000 people, many of them young children. While I warmly welcome the national committee of Gaza management that was set up to manage the day-to-day affairs of Gaza, we must question what powers it actually has. I question moving on to the next phase when we have five key issues that were meant to be addressed in phase 1. The halt of attacks is simply not happening. The bombs continue. We had 449 deaths this morning since the ceasefire started, and more than 1,200 injuries. The return of Israeli captives has happened, bar one. Israeli armed withdrawal is simply not happening from defined areas of Gaza. As regards full humanitarian aid, Israel continues to ban many international agencies from providing food and medical aid. A key issue is the Rafah crossing. This is a key lifeline and it remains closed for aid, food and medical evacuations. I am of the strong opinion that we have no ceasefire in Gaza. I ask the Government to make a strong statement on this.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-21/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-21