Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
184. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the impact that the Northern Ireland Protocol has had on Ireland’s trade destinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30419/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, commonly referred to as the Northern Ireland Protocol, is the part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement that ensures that a hard border is avoided on the island of Ireland after the UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020. Protecting the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) and the hard-won gains of the peace process is our primary concern, which the Protocol does in all its dimensions. It was designed and mutually agreed by the UK and EU to safeguard the GFA, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, protecting North-South cooperation and the all-island economy, and ensuring ‘no diminution of rights, safeguards, or equality of opportunity’ as set out in the GFA.
The Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Goods Exports and Imports. These statistics can be found on the website www.cso.ie
According to the CSO, in 2020, our total Goods Exports were valued at €162bn. Goods Exports to the UK were valued at €14.7bn (of which €12.3bn was exported to Great Britain and €2.4bn to Northern Ireland). Our total Services Exports in 2020 were valued at €244bn while Services Exports to the UK were valued at €35bn.
In 2020, our total Goods Imports were valued at €87bn. Goods Imports from the UK were valued at €20.1bn (of which €17.7bn was imported from Great Britain and €2.4bn from Northern Ireland). Our total Services Imports in 2020 were valued at €306bn while Services Imports from the UK were valued at €20bn.
In 2021, our total Goods Exports were valued at €165bn. Goods Exports to the UK were valued at €18.1bn (of which €14.4bn was exported to Great Britain and €3.7bn to Northern Ireland). Services data for 2021 is not yet disaggregated at individual country level.
In 2021, our total Goods Imports were valued at €103bn. Goods Imports from the UK in 2021 were valued at €19.3bn (of which €15.3bn was imported from Great Britain and €4bn from Northern Ireland).
We continue to closely monitor the impact Brexit and COVID-19 are having on imports and exports to Great Britain and the wider EU. The further introduction of checks and controls for trade to Great Britain can be expected to have an impact in due course on our exports.
We will continue to help companies diversify and discover new markets and reap the benefits of free trade agreements and work with them to adapt to new realities, both in relation to Brexit and to COVID-19.
