Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 March 2018
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent report by the Northern Ireland affairs committee of the British House of Commons regarding the difficulties in retaining a frictionless border on this island following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13517/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have noted the report, referenced by the Deputy, which was published by the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Friday 16 March. While there are elements of the report with which I do not agree, it nonetheless raises a number of important points. The report highlights the challenges posed for the border if the UK leaves the Single Market and Customs Union. It also calls on the UK Government to bring forward proposals on how to maintain an invisible border, and seeks clarity on a number of other important areas.
The Government has always been clear that technology is not the solution to the border issues. The report from the NIAC recognises that this is the case. The border poses complexes challenges, including for the standards and regulations that currently make it possible for it to be invisible. Technology can only go so far and does not address all of the complexities. The border issues need to be considered holistically, which is why the Government has taken the position that it has.
There has been progress made this week between the two negotiating teams on parts of the Withdrawal Agreement, including on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. The UK has agreed that a legally operative version of the ‘backstop’ for the border will be included in the Withdrawal Agreement, in line with paragraph 49 of the Joint Report published last December. There is also agreement that this is to apply unless and until another solution is found.
The UK has also agreed that all the issues identified in the EU draft of the Protocol will be addressed to deliver a legally sound solution to the border. In this regard, the EU and the UK have agreed on an intensive schedule of meetings starting next week. Ireland will continue to work closely with Michel Barnier and his team and EU partners in line with our objective of achieving an orderly withdrawal by the UK, which protects fully Ireland’s essential interests.
