Written answers

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Brexit Issues

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

200. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if political and economic issues that have arisen in the aftermath of Brexit have become problematic given that pre-Brexit no such situations arose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56775/21]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government has dedicated substantial time and resources into preparing for the political and economic effects of Brexit since 2016. The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement agreed by the EU and the UK mitigate many of the potential political and economic issues that might have arisen as a result of Brexit. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for tariff-free, quota-free trade in goods and for sectoral cooperation in a number of important areas.

The Protocol is the agreed solution to mitigate the disruption caused by Brexit for the island of Ireland. It safeguards the Good Friday Agreement, ensures there is no hard border on the island of Ireland and also protects the EU single market and Ireland’s place in it.

On 13 October, the Commission announced a package of far-reaching proposals aimed at addressing the practical, genuine issues raised by businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland. Discussions continue between the EU and the UK. Ireland wants these discussions to succeed and is fully supportive of the Commission’s approach.

The Government undertook an intensive effort across departments and agencies to mitigate the disruption caused by Brexit. This included the development of two Brexit Omnibus Acts; three Brexit Action Plans; substantial investment in the State’s infrastructure and IT systems (including provision for 1,500 additional staff to support new checks and controls); and the provision of financial, upskilling and advisory supports for impacted sectors and businesses. Throughout the Brexit process, our readiness work was always underpinned by a strong communications and outreach programme.

However, no Government mitigation programme can address all of the challenges of Brexit. Even with the Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in place, the seamless trade in goods with Great Britain has ceased due to the UK Government’s decision to leave the Customs Union and Single Market.

The Government keeps the outworking of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement under ongoing review and, as we have done throughout the Brexit process, we will remain fully engaged with stakeholders and support businesses as they continue to navigate the Brexit challenges. A range of financial, upskilling and advisory supports for impacted sectors and businesses remain available. In particular, the Government is currently assisting traders in their preparations for the introduction of further UK import controls on 1 January and 1 July 2022.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

201. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of recent discussions he has had with the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union to ensure that a renegotiation of the UK interpretation of Brexit is not allowed to damage the economy and security on the island of Ireland and with particular reference to Northern Ireland given the excellent state of both economies pre-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56776/21]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have met with UK Minister of State David Frost on a number of occasions in the last year, most recently in September, at the meeting of the British Irish Association in Oxford. I have also discussed the Protocol in meetings with other UK ministers, including with the UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss on 13 October and the Minister for Europe and Americas at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Wendy Morton, on 1 October. The issue has also been regularly raised by other Ministers in recent contacts with UK counterparts.

In all contacts with UK ministers and officials, I have emphasised the importance of avoiding any actions that would have far-reaching implications for both the EU-UK relationship and, in turn, our bilateral relationship. The European Commission has acted in good faith. A good faith response is required from the United Kingdom Government. I have called on the UK Government to engage seriously and constructively in talks with the EU so that we can provide stability and predictability for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland.

Discussions between the EU and UK on the Northern Ireland Protocol including between David Frost and Maros Šefcovic are ongoing and it is important that we give these talks every chance to succeed. Our aim is to see a positive outcome to these discussions.

The Government keeps the outworkings of the Withdrawal Agreement including the Protocol and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement under on-going review and, as we have done throughout the Brexit process, we will remain fully engaged with stakeholders and support businesses as they continue to navigate the Brexit challenges.

I remain in regular contact with business, civic society and political stakeholders in Northern Ireland and I am very aware of their views about the opportunities that the Protocol offers for Northern Ireland, giving them access to both the UK as well as the EU internal markets. Surveys show that two-thirds of NI businesses see the opportunity in this. We are seeing historically high FDI interest in Northern Ireland. We need to use the Protocol to deliver on a prosperity agenda for the people of Northern Ireland. Realising these opportunities, as our economies build back from the impact of Covid, should be the focus of our energy at this time.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.