Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022
358. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his recent discussions with British Labour Party Leader, Mr Starmer, in relation to the British Government proposals concerning legacy issues, the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and the need to have the political institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with the Leader of the Official Opposition in the UK, Keir Starmer MP, and the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Kyle MP, on 9 June 2022. At the meeting we discussed a broad range of issues including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, the legacy of the Troubles, and the impact of recent British Government decisions on Northern Ireland.
I underlined the Irish Government’s deep disappointment at the British Government’s intention to table legislation which would allow British ministers to unilaterally dis-apply elements of the Protocol. Such unilateral action would represent a serious breach of international law. I emphasised the damage that such action on the Protocol would do to relationships within Northern Ireland, across our islands, between our governments, and between the UK and the EU and its member states. It would also clearly damage the international reputation of the UK.
I also emphasised that we have listened and take very seriously all sincerely held concerns about the Protocol. The EU has also consistently engaged with the perspectives of everyone in Northern Ireland and last October produced a package of proposals to directly address these concerns.
We agreed that only joint solutions can provide the long-term legal certainty and predictability which people and businesses in Northern Ireland need, and that there are solutions to practical issues which have arisen with regard to certain aspects of implementation of the Protocol.
We also discussed the UK Government’s decision to unilaterally introduce legislation on legacy cases in Northern Ireland, which moves away from the process agreed in the Stormont House Agreement, and in a direction that does not have the support of victims or any political party in Northern Ireland. I expressed my real concerns with both the process and substance of the draft legislation that has been introduced. These include concerns about the independence and effectiveness of the proposed review system, and its compliance with international human rights obligations.
