Two new advisory bodies to help Ireland respond to potential trade shocks are to be established under proposals due to be considered by Cabinet on Wednesday.
The plans from Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris come against a backdrop of US president Donald Trump threatening to introduce tariffs on exports from the European Union.
It is understood the first proposal provides for the establishment of a new US-based body that will be specifically tasked with further strengthening US-Irish relations. It would be known as the Strategic Economic Advisory Panel, and would advise on how to deal with potential policy changes brought about by the Trump administration.
The plan is for the panel to be made up of influential professionals drawn from a range of business sectors operating in the United States.
‘Callous paedophile’ jailed for rape and sexual abuse of boys he intimidated, coerced and bribed
Nathan McDonnell: The rise and fall of the Kerry businessman and drug trafficker
Garda pleads guilty to impersonating woman online and inciting two men to rape her
Enoch Burke case: move to appoint receiver with power to collect fines from teacher’s salary
A source said the panel will be asked to “advise the Government on strategic economic opportunities and risks in respect of the US-Ireland economic relationship”.
The setting up of the panel is said to be getting “fast-tracked” in light of the heightened concerns of the potential imposition of trade tariffs on the EU. The move to establish the group is said to reflect how “Ireland’s small, open economy is more sensitive to global developments”.
Mr Harris is also set to ask Cabinet to approve the immediate establishment of a separate Consultative Group on International Trade Policy to facilitate dialogue with key stakeholders engaged in international trade. This group is to meet at least every eight weeks, and it will provide advice on dealing with trade challenges and opportunities.
The Cabinet is also expected to approve a new “resilience plan” for the ESB to ensure that the State’s energy grid is better equipped to withstand extreme weather events such as Storm Éowyn.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Darragh O’Brien will update Cabinet colleagues on the storm’s impact on the energy grid.
He has requested that an enhanced Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan be developed within one month. He has also asked ESB Networks to implement the plan between March and October this year to ensure the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations ahead of the winter months.
He has also asked ESB Networks and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to identify priorities in light of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, and to specify what additional projects and investments will be required to future-proof Ireland’s energy grid and to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Separately, the plan to bring in free schoolbooks for senior cycle secondary school students is also set to go before Cabinet. The plan to extend free schoolbooks to older secondary school students, including those in transition year, was announced in last October’s budget.
The new Minister for Education Helen McEntee is expected to seek Government approval to implement it on Wednesday. Some €164 million has been allocated to provide free schoolbooks for 940,000 children and young people enrolled in primary, secondary and special schools in the Free Education Scheme from the start of the 2025/26 school year.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
