Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have not made any secret of the fact that we would welcome an extension but this is something that needs to be agreed between the EU and the UK. As recently as today, I am informed that having looked at any other possible avenues, there is no way to extend it beyond 30 June. It has to be done as set out through the withdrawal agreement. Time is certainly ticking and we are not led to believe the UK will change its position on that. It is welcome that the Executive in Northern Ireland and the Administrations in Scotland and Wales have, all three, sought an extension. It is unfortunate that they potentially are not being listened to. Our position is very clear and I think most European member states, if not all I have spoken to, would very much welcome an extension given the challenges we are facing not just on this but Covid also, as the Deputy said.

On the British Government's proposing intensive discussions, there is a high-level meeting due to take place at the European Council next week. Because of Covid-19, the focus will very much be on the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, and the next generation fund, which is being proposed. My understanding is that the Presidency, which is now under the chairmanship of our Croatian colleagues, will be very much focused on agreeing these issues, as the German Presidency will be. My understanding is that we will have a high-level meeting with the UK towards the end of this month but beyond that, the timeframe for July is yet to be decided. Obviously we would like to get as much discussion in as soon as possible but there are other items on the agenda as well. It is important that the UK acknowledges that as well.

As to whether the British are serious, the Northern Ireland protocol has been agreed. It is a legal document. It has been signed off on. What we want to see and what needs to happen between now and the end of the year, separate from any free trade agreement, is for the UK to come forward with further detail. It is welcome that they have brought forward some form of detail, however it is still lacking in many areas, as I have outlined previously, including VAT and other structures, particularly on SPS goods or animal products coming into Northern Ireland through mainland UK.

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