Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
326. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union regarding Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56177/21]
View answerDiscussions between the EU and UK on the Northern Ireland Protocol including between David Frost and Maros Šefcovic are ongoing and it is important that we give these talks every chance to succeed. A positive outcome to current discussions is our objective.
I have met with UK Minister of State David Frost on a number of occasions in the last year, most recently in September, at the meeting of the British Irish Association in Oxford. I have also discussed the Protocol in meetings with other UK ministers, including with the UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss on 13 October and the Minister for Europe and Americas at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Wendy Morton, on 1 October. The issue has also been regularly raised by other Ministers in recent contacts with UK counterparts.
In all contacts with UK ministers and officials, I have emphasised the importance of using the EU-UK framework for issues related to the Protocol and of finding a solution that works for the people of Northern Ireland. We are impressing on them that invoking Article 16 would have far reaching implications for the EU-UK relationship and for our bilateral relationship. The European Commission has acted in good faith. A good faith response is required from the United Kingdom Government.
I am of course also in regular contact with Vice-President Šefcovic, with our partners across the EU, the US Administration and Congress and stakeholders across Northern Ireland. Support for the Commission package and minimising disruption in Northern Ireland remains very strong. I had the opportunity to discuss developments with several EU Foreign Ministers during the course of the FAC meeting in Brussels this week. Minister Byrne is also in touch with his counterparts.
I believe strongly the Protocol will work if we allow it to with flexibility and pragmatism.
