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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Ceisteanna (118)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

118. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the work in relation to the Irish protocol. [15375/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

EU-UK talks on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland are ongoing. I welcome the meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee on 21 February, and the meeting of the Specialised Committee on the implementation of the Protocol held on 8 March. I note the determination expressed in the resulting joint statements to ensure that durable solutions are found as soon as possible for the benefit of people and businesses in Northern Ireland. The EU and the UK have committed to continuing their talks and to further engagement with business groups, civil society, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland.

While we would like to have seen more progress by now, it is important that we continue to focus on the issues of genuine and practical concern to people in Northern Ireland. The EU’s proposals published last October directly address concerns around SPS and customs movements, medicines and giving greater voice to Northern Irish stakeholders in the implementation of the Protocol. The EU has demonstrated further flexibility by putting forward a proposal to change its own legislation to guarantee the long-term supply of medicines to Northern Ireland. This flexibility now needs to be reciprocated by the British Government.

People in Northern Ireland want the Protocol to work. They recognise that the Protocol presents Northern Ireland with unique economic opportunities. Most people see the Protocol as a good thing on balance for Northern Ireland.

I continue to engage regularly with stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including political leaders, the business community, and civic society – as does the European Commission. I remain in regular contact with Vice-President Šefcovic and with our partners across the EU. Support for the European Commission’s approach remains steadfast across the Union. I also have regular engagement with both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the UK Foreign Secretary.

The Taoiseach recently met with Prime Minister Johnson in London, where he highlighted the importance of reaching agreement on durable, practical solutions. During his bilateral engagements in Washington D.C., the Taoiseach’s discussions also covered developments in Northern Ireland, British-Irish and EU-UK relations, and the implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.

In all engagements, we continue to emphasise the need to find an agreed approach to the implementation of the Protocol as soon as possible for the benefit of people and businesses in Northern Ireland. We urge the British Government to engage constructively with the EU. Agreeing an approach on the Protocol would be an important factor in opening up a new chapter of more positive EU-UK cooperation. We have seen in recent weeks the strength of the EU and UK working together to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s abhorrent and illegal aggression. I hope that spirit of partnership can extend to the talks on the implementation of the Protocol.

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