Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
318. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will have further discussions with representative organisations in Northern Ireland that are concerned about the recent British Government proposals in relation to the Northern Ireland protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33481/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will have further discussions with the political parties in Stormont in relation to the recent British Government proposals concerning the Northern Ireland protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33482/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 319 together.
The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was designed and agreed by the UK and the EU to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, to mitigate the inevitable disruption arising for the island of Ireland from Brexit, and to protect the integrity of EU Single Market and Ireland’s place within it.
It is deeply disappointing that the British Government has tabled legislation which would unilaterally dis-apply core parts of the Protocol. No amount of vague language around protecting the Good Friday Agreement can deny the fact that the UK is planning to set aside a solemn agreement and to break international law. Far from fixing the challenges arising from the Protocol, the British Government’s legislation will create a whole new set of uncertainties and damage relationships within Northern Ireland, across our islands, between our governments, and between the UK and the EU and its Member States.
I am in regular and ongoing contact with the political parties and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland, both with regard to the Protocol and the restoration of Northern Ireland Executive. Following the Assembly elections in May, both I and the Taoiseach travelled to Northern Ireland to meet with the party leaders and with representatives of the business community. The Government has consistently sought to listen to and engage with the perspectives and concerns of everyone in relation to the Protocol, including those in the unionist community. The European Commission has done likewise and, in October, the Commission presented far-reaching proposals directly addressing these concerns. However, the UK has failed to seriously engage with these proposals.
I have remained in contact with the business community, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland with regard to the Protocol. The clear message that we have heard first hand from people and businesses in Northern Ireland is that they want an agreed solution between the UK and the EU, not unilateral action. Northern Ireland’s business community has a real desire to make the most of the opportunities presented by the Protocol, which requires certainty, stability, and predictability. The British Government’s recent actions undermine this and create uncertainty for businesses in Northern Ireland.
In the period ahead, we will continue to engage with the political parties in Northern Ireland, along with business and civil society representatives, both to understand genuine concerns around the implementation of the Protocol and to support the full functioning of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
