Tánaiste Simon Harris and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič spoke by phone last night to discuss the latest developments in the EU-US trade talks.
The two discussed their shared desire for negotiations to conclude as soon as possible with the US on an agreement in principle on a mutually beneficial deal that works for both sides.
They also discussed the issue of pharma, acknowledging that uncertainty continues around the outcomes of the existing 232 investigations including on pharma.
In a statement, the Tánaiste said this is an area of significant concern to Ireland, adding that the Commissioner agreed it was important to continue to work together on these issues in the period ahead.
“The Tánaiste remains of the view that the continued uncertainty is bad for economic confidence and Irish businesses seeking clarity on the trading environment in which they operate,” the statement said.
“However it remains his hope that both sides can work intensively and constructively to bring about, as soon as possible, a framework agreement, which would provide a base for continuing work.”
