Taoiseach to discuss global issues with Trump in Dublin

Ireland’s Taoiseach will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Dublin next Saturday for talks covering global issues and the relationship between the two countries. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the meeting at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park would also reflect Ireland’s perspective on wider international affairs.

Asked on RTÉ’s This Week whether Gaza and the West Bank could feature in the discussion, Chambers said the Taoiseach had already shown in Washington last March that he could present the Irish position respectfully. The minister said the government wants to deepen relations with the United States in the period ahead.

The interview also focused on Ireland’s upcoming budget, due on 6 October. Chambers said the government had not yet decided whether to increase carbon taxes, and that the issue remained under review. He said ministers were conscious of rising household energy costs and indicated that the budget would contain a substantial income-tax package, though he described it as moderate overall.

Chambers said any additional spending would need to be sustainable and called for greater efficiency across government departments. He added that the Health Service Executive would need to take further action to curb rising expenditure, with increased government oversight controls expected soon. On transport, he said updated costings and pre-tender approval for the Dublin Metro plan were expected to receive government agreement this month.

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The Taoiseach had demonstrated in Washington last March that he is more than capable of presenting the Irish position in a respectful way.