Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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358. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his recent discussions with British Labour Party Leader, Mr Starmer, in relation to the British Government proposals concerning legacy issues, the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and the need to have the political institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31653/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I met with the Leader of the Official Opposition in the UK, Keir Starmer MP, and the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Kyle MP, on 9 June 2022. At the meeting we discussed a broad range of issues including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, the legacy of the Troubles, and the impact of recent British Government decisions on Northern Ireland.

I underlined the Irish Government’s deep disappointment at the British Government’s intention to table legislation which would allow British ministers to unilaterally dis-apply elements of the Protocol. Such unilateral action would represent a serious breach of international law. I emphasised the damage that such action on the Protocol would do to relationships within Northern Ireland, across our islands, between our governments, and between the UK and the EU and its member states. It would also clearly damage the international reputation of the UK.

I also emphasised that we have listened and take very seriously all sincerely held concerns about the Protocol. The EU has also consistently engaged with the perspectives of everyone in Northern Ireland and last October produced a package of proposals to directly address these concerns.

We agreed that only joint solutions can provide the long-term legal certainty and predictability which people and businesses in Northern Ireland need, and that there are solutions to practical issues which have arisen with regard to certain aspects of implementation of the Protocol.

We also discussed the UK Government’s decision to unilaterally introduce legislation on legacy cases in Northern Ireland, which moves away from the process agreed in the Stormont House Agreement, and in a direction that does not have the support of victims or any political party in Northern Ireland. I expressed my real concerns with both the process and substance of the draft legislation that has been introduced. These include concerns about the independence and effectiveness of the proposed review system, and its compliance with international human rights obligations.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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359. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has outlined to the British Government that it’s recent proposals in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol are unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31655/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I spoke by phone to UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Monday, 13 June. During the call, I made it clear to Secretary Truss that publishing legislation would breach the UK’s commitments under international law, the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, would be deeply damaging to relationships on these islands and between the UK and EU. Minister of State Byrne spoke with his UK counterpart James Cleverly MP on 13 June also reiterating these same points.

This phone call followed a number of contacts I have had with UK Foreign Secretary Truss, including a meeting on 20 May where I have repeatedly outlined Ireland’s views on the British Government’s approach.

On 13 June, I also spoke with European Commission Vice-President Šefcovic and am in ongoing intensive contact with our partners across the EU. Opposition to the UK’s illegal unilateral approach is uniform across the Union. Support for the Commission approach and for minimising disruption in Northern Ireland remains steadfast among EU member states.

The tabling of this legislation marks a particular low point in the UK’s approach to Brexit. Brexit and in particular the hard Brexit chosen by the UK Government is the root cause of the uncertainty in Northern Ireland. The Protocol is the solution, jointly designed and freely chosen by the British Government to mitigate the challenges posed by their preferred version of Brexit.

Arguing that the Good Friday Agreement and the Protocol are incompatible is disingenuous and irresponsible. The Protocol was specifically designed by the UK and EU to protect and uphold the Good Friday Agreement. Taken together, they are a powerful expression of what negotiation and partnership can achieve. Only a jointly agreed solution will consolidate these achievements and bring real stability and opportunities for Northern Ireland.

Despite this act of bad faith, the EU is still fully committed to addressing issues of concern to people in Northern Ireland and remains open to talks with the UK Government. I continue to urge the British Government to return to the table. No solution can be found through the repudiation of our agreement – an action that could have wider consequences, in terms of the reputation and the standing of the UK internationally. Reaching a solution requires partnership. It requires the UK Government to engage in good faith, with seriousness and commitment.