Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022
359. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has outlined to the British Government that it’s recent proposals in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol are unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI spoke by phone to UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Monday, 13 June. During the call, I made it clear to Secretary Truss that publishing legislation would breach the UK’s commitments under international law, the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, would be deeply damaging to relationships on these islands and between the UK and EU. Minister of State Byrne spoke with his UK counterpart James Cleverly MP on 13 June also reiterating these same points.
This phone call followed a number of contacts I have had with UK Foreign Secretary Truss, including a meeting on 20 May where I have repeatedly outlined Ireland’s views on the British Government’s approach.
On 13 June, I also spoke with European Commission Vice-President Šefcovic and am in ongoing intensive contact with our partners across the EU. Opposition to the UK’s illegal unilateral approach is uniform across the Union. Support for the Commission approach and for minimising disruption in Northern Ireland remains steadfast among EU member states.
The tabling of this legislation marks a particular low point in the UK’s approach to Brexit. Brexit and in particular the hard Brexit chosen by the UK Government is the root cause of the uncertainty in Northern Ireland. The Protocol is the solution, jointly designed and freely chosen by the British Government to mitigate the challenges posed by their preferred version of Brexit.
Arguing that the Good Friday Agreement and the Protocol are incompatible is disingenuous and irresponsible. The Protocol was specifically designed by the UK and EU to protect and uphold the Good Friday Agreement. Taken together, they are a powerful expression of what negotiation and partnership can achieve. Only a jointly agreed solution will consolidate these achievements and bring real stability and opportunities for Northern Ireland.
Despite this act of bad faith, the EU is still fully committed to addressing issues of concern to people in Northern Ireland and remains open to talks with the UK Government. I continue to urge the British Government to return to the table. No solution can be found through the repudiation of our agreement – an action that could have wider consequences, in terms of the reputation and the standing of the UK internationally. Reaching a solution requires partnership. It requires the UK Government to engage in good faith, with seriousness and commitment.
