The movement of animals across the Border is comprehensively addressed in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement's Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. This Protocol will apply from 1 January 2021 regardless of the outcome of the Future Relationship negotiations.
The Protocol ensures that many of the changes arising in our trade with Great Britain will not apply to trade with Northern Ireland. The Protocol is clear, and the Commission have confirmed this, that the movement of animals between Northern Ireland and the EU is treated the same as intra-EU movements.
This is possible because the Protocol provides that relevant EU law applies to and in Northern Ireland. This will also help ensure that there is a level playing field in agricultural production, even after the end of the transition period.
The Irish Government has expressed its concern in relation to the recent publication by the British Government of its Internal Market Bill. Any unilateral departure from the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement would have very serious consequences, and I would hope that this could be avoided. The Protocol is about protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the achievements of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. It is vitally important that it is implemented fully to protect the All Island economy and to provide clarity and stability for businesses and people North and South.
