Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Windsor Framework agreed between the EU and Britain is a welcome development and we hope it will eliminate all potential obstacles to trade between our islands. For some time business have outlined the need for certainty and clarity. Understandably, this clarity is so important for businesses trading North-South and east-west and for those planning for long-term investment. The further development of the all-Ireland economy will bring benefits to every community on the island. This morning I spoke to a senior industry person whose business trades extensively North-South and east-west and she warmly welcomed the EU's response to issues that had been raised by different sectors in Northern Ireland concerning the protocol. Political parties need some time to study those proposals in detail and we must all respect that requirement. However, people also want the political institutions, including the Assembly, the Executive and the North-South Ministerial Council, to be restored and fully functional in the best interests of all. The Government must continue to give that clear message to all political parties in Northern Ireland and also to the British Government.

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