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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Ceisteanna (866, 867, 872)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

866. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with members of the British Government in relation to the need to implement the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40906/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

867. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with members of the British Government and with the European Union to resolve some difficulties that have arisen in implementing the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40907/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

872. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on any recent or future planned engagements with the European Union regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol. [40947/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 866, 867 and 872 together.

The Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland is an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement. It was jointly negotiated, and jointly agreed, by the EU and the UK – the result of a painstaking process which took more than four years, during which a whole host of options were explored. Ultimately, the Protocol was - and is - the only solution found to the problems caused by Brexit for the island of Ireland.

I am in regular and ongoing contact with Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic, British Government counterparts, political leaders and other stakeholders on the implementation of the Protocol. We all have a responsibility to listen carefully to the genuine concerns and engage with citizens, businesses, politicians and community leaders in the North. We also have to be clear there is no agreed alternative to the problems caused by Brexit on the island of Ireland apart from the Protocol – a solution which was jointly negotiated, jointly agreed and which must now be jointly implemented.

It is important to reiterate that the Protocol makes no change to the constitutional status of Northern Ireland as set out in the Good Friday Agreement. The Protocol prevents a hard border on this island and protects the gains of the Good Friday Agreement.

Where there have been challenges in the implementation of the Protocol, the EU has been listening and engaging to find solutions within the framework of the Protocol. Last month, the Joint Committee – the proper forum for discussion regarding implementation of the Protocol – came together to take stock of progress to date and give consideration to the identified issues of concern. EU and UK officials continue to work on developing solutions to these outstanding issues through the Specialised Committee on Implementation of the Protocol, which met as recently as last week. It is important that this process continues and is encouraged - working together like this is the way we will find sustainable solutions.

UK unilateral actions taken to date have damaged trust. The UK and EU must work together to find pragmatic solutions. Last month the EU acceded to a UK request to extend the grace period for chilled products entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, for example. The decision on chilled meats was announced as part of a package of measures by the Commission, also enabling drivers from the North to enter the South without a motor insurance green card, providing easements on movements of animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and including an EU commitment to provide a long-term solution to the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland before the temporary arrangements currently in place expire. By taking such steps, the European Union continues to show that it is a willing partner.

I took note, of course, of the publication recently of the UK Government paper on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, and will analyse this paper closely, together with EU colleagues. We will continue to encourage the UK to work in partnership with the EU to identify realistic solutions in a spirit of positive and constructive engagement. However, any solutions must take place within the framework of the Protocol and the principles that underpin it.

The Protocol also presents real opportunities for Northern Ireland, with full access to both the rest of the UK internal market and the EU single market, and there are also significant potential opportunities for Northern Ireland through the Protocol, with open access to the rest of the UK internal market and to the entire EU Single Market of more than 450 million people. There is evidence of increased interest in Northern Ireland as an investment location since the beginning of the year - but stability and certainty are needed to help realise that potential.

I will continue to do all I can to encourage pragmatic engagement on the implementation of the Protocol and to underpin peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Question No. 867 answered with Question No. 866.
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