Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
183. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the potential impact of current proposed legislation from the UK government on Irish agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26837/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, on 17th May, the UK Government announced its intention to table legislation which would have the effect of unilaterally disapplying elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol agreed with the EU as part of the overall outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
This announcement did not provide any detail about the content of the UK’s proposed legislation. It is therefore not possible at this time to make an informed assessment of any potential impact of this legislation on the Irish agriculture sector.
This announcement signalling UK Government intentions is, however, an unwelcome development, and introduces further uncertainty for businesses.
I, and the Government, continue to urge the UK to engage with the EU to find agreed solutions to the issues associated with the implementation of the Protocol. It is only through dialogue that the UK government and the EU can find appropriate solutions which work for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.
The EU, as it has been throughout this process, remains ready and willing to work with the UK on finding pragmatic and flexible solutions, and Ireland fully supports EU efforts in this regard.
It also worth noting that Ireland continues to have the full solidarity and support of all EU Member States, which underlines the fact that the EU remains united in its commitment to Northern Ireland.
I assure the Deputy that I and my Department will continue to closely monitor developments over the coming period, in particular in respect of the detail of any UK legislative proposals, and will ensure that any potential impacts for the Irish agri-food sector are identified quickly and addressed appropriately.
