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Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022

Thursday, 23 June 2022

Ceisteanna (113)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

113. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his recent discussions with the British Labour Party Leader Mr. Starmer; if he will provide a further update on the situation in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33181/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I 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 in Dublin. 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 to and take very seriously all sincerely held concerns in Northern Ireland 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 very 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.

Question No. 114 answered orally.
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