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Ministerial Meetings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (752, 753, 754)

Neale Richmond

Question:

752. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagements with his counterpart in the United Kingdom; if recent concerns regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14613/21]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

753. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagements with his European counterparts; if concerns regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol have been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14614/21]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

754. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagements with the Northern Ireland Executive; if the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14615/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 752 to 754, inclusive, together.

The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, as an international agreement concluded by the EU and the UK, must be fully implemented. It is the agreed and only available solution to the problems created on the island of Ireland by Brexit. This message is central to my contacts with counterparts across these islands, Europe and beyond.

We want the Protocol to work for Northern Ireland, and for the island as a whole, in as smooth a manner as possible. It is particularly important that Northern Ireland is able to benefit from the considerable positive opportunities created by the Protocol, including the continued unimpeded operation of all-island supply chains, as well as full and free access to both the EU Single Market and the UK internal market. 

I maintain very close and regular contact with European counterparts, most particularly with Commission Vice President Maroš Šefcovic – the EU co-Chair of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and primary interlocutor for the Union with the UK on the implementation of the Protocol.

I have regular contact with representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive and political leaders. I would also like to acknowledge Vice President Šefcovic's very useful and welcome recent engagements with stakeholders in Northern Ireland and his commitment to maintain regular contact with Northern Irish business and civil society groups, clearly demonstrating that the EU is listening to voices in the North.

I am well aware of the practical challenges which arise from Britain’s decision to leave the EU Single Market and Customs Union. My Department will continue to engage closely with Northern Irish stakeholders, listening carefully to their concerns and acting to mitigate the negative impacts of Brexit where possible.

On 3 March, I met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, and with Lord Frost, the UK’s Minister co-chairing the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and TCA Partnership Council. I expressed the Government’s grave concern and regret regarding the UK’s plans for unilateral action with regard to the Protocol, rather than working in continued partnership with the EU in accordance with the EU-UK joint statements of 11 and 24 February. I also maintain ongoing contacts with other British Government counterparts on these issues and other matters of common interest.

I have consistently advocated a pragmatic approach to implementation within the existing framework of the Protocol, including joint consideration of modest extensions to grace periods. This is, however, only possible in a spirit of cooperation and partnership and through the agreed mechanisms established by the Protocol.

Unilateral actions are contrary to the spirit and letter of the Protocol – and undercut the trust vital to the optimal working of the EU-UK relationship. I have made clear that it is incumbent on the UK to do all it can to rebuild that trust and to act within the structures of the Protocol.

My engagement with counterparts is reinforced with substantial further regular engagement from Ministerial colleagues and Departmental officials.

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