Mr. Paul Lynam:

I thank the Senator. At the outset, I acknowledge our work alongside the Senator, as Brexit spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, during some of the heated negotiations. Trade will go where it is easier to engage. The statistics bear this out. There has been an increase in all-Ireland trade North and South, which is to be expected. Great Britain-Northern Ireland trade is also rebounding. Finding that compromise has been a net positive. Businesses have certainly looked at their supply chains and have gone where they are most needed.

Some of the fears outlined prior to the Windsor Framework or in the midst of some of the ebb and flow of the protocol regarding major companies not exporting to Northern Ireland have not come to fruition. Obviously, there have been teething issues from the get-go in respect of the Northern Ireland protocol. Many of them have been addressed, but there will always be teething issues with any new trade barrier. All-island trade has been the big beneficiary.

Regarding the challenges, some have not come to pass as yet because they are being phased in. I will defer to Ms Lynch to discuss some of the customs queries that have come to pass from her clients.

Regarding the new UK Government, it is not just about a one-liner or quick sound bite. It is a reset in relations; there is no question about that. The new Government is coming at this from a different perspective to the previous one on quite a lot of issues. That is not to say that we did not work constructively with the previous Government or that we would not have disagreements with the current one. We are not an Irish organisation; we are a British-Irish organisation that is all about maximising trade. Certainly, Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, has been very proactive about engaging with us and members, listening to what is happening on the ground and trying to find compromises and proactive approaches to maximising the trade and economic environment for Northern Ireland.

One thing we could all improve on is taking the opportunities of the Northern Ireland Windsor Framework, which addresses access and the unique position Northern Ireland has found itself in. It has been well publicised and highlighted. President Biden appointing Joe Kennedy is something that has been highlighted. I do not think enough is being done from across the business community to look at the opportunities from a more local perspective in terms of investment into Northern Ireland. It is one thing to consider going to North America or Asia to discuss the opportunities for Northern Ireland, but there are opportunities for companies much closer to home in terms of investing in Northern Ireland. As a chamber, we are going to up our game in terms of highlighting that. I do not think the potential upside is being talked about a great deal and has not yet been delivered. We are in the early stages. I will defer to Ms Lynch on some of the customs perspectives.