Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Ireland protocols in the context of Brexit are being observed in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4182/21]
View answerThe Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, which forms part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, came into effect on 1 January. It plays a vital role in protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, as well as protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it.
It means that while Northern Ireland remains part of the UK's customs territory, it is subject to certain provisions of EU law. These EU law provisions are effectively those necessary to avoid a hard border on the island, and include the Union Customs Code and EU legislation across a range of areas necessary to protect the integrity and operation of the Single Market in goods. In short, it ensures that NI traders continue to have access not only to Great Britain but to the Single Market of 450 million consumers - access which is vital for all-island supply chains.
The EU and the UK last December agreed an approach to the implementation of the Protocol, including in a number of EU-UK Joint Committee Decisions and unilateral declarations, taking account of Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances.
In line with Article 12 of the Protocol, UK authorities are responsible for implementing the provisions of EU law made applicable by the Protocol in respect of Northern Ireland. EU representatives have the right to be present during these activities, and have been exercising that right.
At the same time, the Government continues to engage closely with stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including in the business community, on issues related to implementation of the Protocol. We have been consistent in our position that we want the Protocol to work as smoothly as possible for people and businesses in Northern Ireland, and indeed for the island of Ireland.
