Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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674. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of discussions he has had with his UK counterpart in respect of potential threats to the Northern Ireland Protocol and its consequences. [2199/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following her appointment as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in September 2021, I had a video call with Liz Truss on 13 October on a range of issues including Brexit and the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. Since the Foreign Secretary was subsequently assigned responsibility for Brexit in December 2021, we spoke by phone on 21 December, and met in person in London on 6 January.

During all these engagements, I emphasized that Ireland and the EU remain fully committed to providing certainty and stability for people and business in Northern Ireland. I noted that the Protocol is the joint EU–UK solution to mitigate against the disruption Brexit causes for citizens and businesses on the island of Ireland and that it can work if we allow it to with flexibility and pragmatism. Furthermore, reaching an agreed approach on the Protocol would be an important factor in allowing open new chapter in a forward-looking EU–UK partnership.

The Taoiseach and other Ministers also regularly raise the Protocol in contacts with their UK counterparts.  

I am pleased that Foreign Secretary Truss and Commission Vice President Šefcovic had an opportunity to meet in person recently. The meeting was an important opportunity for both sides to clarify their positions and to establish a positive working relationship. It is welcome that the Vice President and the Foreign Secretary will meet again on 24 January and that in the meantime intensified technical talks will resume between their respective teams.