Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
67. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. [24137/21]
View answerThe Government welcomes the conclusion of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The TCA, together with the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, means that Ireland’s key Brexit objectives have been achieved. Last month ratification of the TCA was finalised after the European Parliament completed its scrutiny of the Agreement and voted overwhelmingly to consent to its ratification. Dáil Éireann of course adopted by acclamation a motion of support in January. Ratification of the TCA now puts the full toolbox at our disposal to make the best of the new framework for EU-UK cooperation. The Agreement provides for 23 dedicated Committees and Working Groups, under an overall EU-UK Partnership Council, which will oversee the implementation of all aspects of the EU-UK relationship, with a view to making them work as well as possible. These will become forums where the EU can come together with the UK to iron out the practical details of how we cooperate, on issues from trade to aviation to law enforcement. Ireland and all Member States will have the right to participate in these meetings as part of the EU delegation. I hope that the work of these joint bodies can begin as soon as possible and we look forward to engaging in them fully, in support of our interests and values. Notwithstanding the Government’s extensive readiness preparations, and the very welcome conclusion of the TCA, challenges and risks remain, notably for our fishers, our hauliers, our importers and exporters. Nothing can replace the seamless relationship that existed during the UK’s membership of the EU, but the Government remains wholeheartedly committed to providing all of the support and guidance that we can as we navigate these challenges together.
