Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned that tens of thousands of jobs in Ireland could be at risk if the United States implements trade tariffs in early April.
In a worst-case scenario, he stated that between 50,000 and 80,000 jobs that would have been created or sustained in the economy may be lost in the medium term.
Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week programme, Minister Donohoe also suggested that proposed income tax cuts outlined in the government’s programme may not proceed if severe tariffs are imposed.
He cautioned that a global trade dispute would affect living standards and could force the Government to take measures to protect public finances.
The US has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25 per cent on EU products, with a decision expected on April 2nd.