Oireachtas Committees to discuss Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland with Members of the UK House of Lords Sub-Committee

This is the first time the three Oireachtas Committees have joined together to engage in an exchange of views with members from the House of Lords.

The meeting of TDs and Senators will take place in Committee Room 1 at 9:30am. 

Chair of the Lords Sub-Committee; Lord Jay of Ewelme and colleagues; Lord Empey; Baroness Goudie; Lord Hain; Baroness O’Loan; Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick and Lord Thomas of Gresford are scheduled to appear remotely for the meeting. 

Cathaoirleach of the European Union Affairs Committee Joe McHugh TD said: “The Sub Committee was appointed by the House of Lords European Affairs Committee to consider all matters related to the Protocol, including scrutinising EU legislation applying to Northern Ireland under the Protocol, and the Protocol’s overall impact on Northern Ireland.” 

 “This meeting is being held at an important time due to the current uncertainty over the Northern Ireland Protocol. We look forward to hearing about the Sub-Committee’s work in relation to monitoring the protocol’s socio-economic and political impact on Northern Ireland and of the UK withdrawal from the European Union.” 

 “In light of recent reports regarding the Protocol, our exchange of views is both timely and welcome and we look forward to engaging with members of the delegation on these matters.” 

Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Committee James Lawless TD said: “We welcome the opportunity to hear from our colleagues in relation to its planned work programme in relation to the Protocol and the implications for the Good Friday Agreement.” 

 “As we approach the two year anniversary of Britain leaving the EU, this meeting is an opportunity to reflect on the UK-Ireland bilateral relationship and developing stronger interparliamentary dialogue in relation to the Protocol between Westminster, the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly.” 

Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU Senator Lisa Chambers said: “This engagement with the House of Lords European Affairs Sub-Committee on the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol comes at a crucial time when there is much uncertainty over the Protocol and what actions the UK government and EU might take." 

 "Relations between our two islands have come under sustained pressure from the Brexit process and that is certainly the situation now. Regardless of how difficult the current situation is, we must ensure continued dialogue between our two parliaments and ensure the door is always open for an exchange of views. I look forward to engaging with our friends and neighbours and no doubt finding common ground as we chart a way forward." 

 The meeting will be broadcast live from Committee Room 1 here from 9.30am.