Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and I thank him for being here to discuss this important issue. I compliment him and his team for their extensive work over a lengthy time in terms of the negotiations and discussions on Brexit. The Minister is correct that Northern Ireland did not seek or vote for Brexit. That is very clear. The protocol was the only option post years of discussions and negotiations. Lord Frost has submitted proposals to change the Northern Ireland protocol. We must trust that businesses are being honest.

The protocol was signed and agreed in trust and honesty, but we still find ourselves in this position. This is not a fickle matter. The people on the island of Ireland know well the importance of protecting the protocol and upholding the Good Friday Agreement. I tuned into the discussion on Monday. It was very interesting to hear Commissioner Šefovi say that the message from the EU has been clear and consistent throughout, that is, it wants to find practical solutions. Similar to Senator Chambers, I believe there must be a relationship built on respect. The UK cannot threaten to revoke Article 16.

We must consider the voices of those in Northern Ireland. The triggering of Article 16 raises serious issues for the cross-Border economy. Post Covid business across Ireland need greater support and not further obstacles enforced on them. The triggering of Article 16 would have detrimental implications on all Irish Governments. All of us will remember the Troubles. It took years to get to the Good Friday Agreement. We cannot allow for the dissolution of the Northern Ireland protocol. We must do everything in our power to protect it.

I thank the Minister for the work he has done to date. I know that he is so committed to this, he will be working hard into the future in regard to it.