Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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333. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he continues to support the retention of the Northern Ireland Protocol in order to ensure that the interests of the island of Ireland are kept to the fore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33549/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is the agreed EU-UK solution to mitigate the impact of Brexit across this island, to protect the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process as well as protecting the integrity of the EU’s single market. It remains a key part of the Withdrawal Agreement, under which the UK left the EU, and paved the way for the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK.

As such, it continues to have Ireland’s full support, as well as the backing of all EU member states.

The Protocol is also supported by people and businesses in Northern Ireland. The Protocol gives Northern Ireland unique access to both the EU Single Market as well as the rest of the UK internal market, which combined comprise over half a billion people. The message I have consistently heard from Northern Ireland is that there is a real desire to make the most of the opportunities this presents. People and business want continued access to both the EU and GB markets, and predictability and stability. The UK Government’s unilateral actions undermine these objectives and create unwelcome uncertainty for Northern Ireland businesses.

The Government continues to undertake a coordinated and consistent approach in support of our Brexit priorities, which includes working with the Commission to find jointly agreed solutions to the challenges around the implementation of the Protocol.

I am in ongoing and intensive contact with my counterparts across the EU, including European Commission Vice-President Šefcovic, who I spoke with on 13 June. I am also in regular contact with the UK Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The EU’s commitment to Northern Ireland is undiminished.  There is strong opposition to the UK’s illegal unilateral action and full support for the Commission approach.

We know the operation of the Protocol can be improved. Ireland has stated this clearly, as has the Commission. That is why the EU has put forward practical solutions to the genuine concerns that have been raised in Northern Ireland. These are bespoke arrangements that further demonstrate the flexibility the EU is willing to show - including an openness to further change its own rules. 

The EU is willing to discuss these solutions with the British government. With political will, there are solutions to be found for the genuine issues of concern to people and business in Northern Ireland.  Finding these solutions will allow Northern Ireland to experience in full the positive effects the Protocol can have on trade, investment, growth and employment.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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334. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to support the Northern Ireland peace process notwithstanding efforts by others to damage the structure; if it is recognised that an international agreement must be adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33550/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is firmly committed to working  with the British government and with the parties in Northern Ireland in support of the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent implementing agreements. The gains of the peace process have been exceptional and it is our responsibility both to safeguard them, and to build upon them into the future.

In recent weeks and months, there have undoubtedly been a number of issues that have been very challenging.

The UK Government published legislation yesterday to replace the Human Rights Act. It will take time review it in detail and consider its proposed provisions, along with other relevant Government Departments. The incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK domestic law was a critical part of the Good Friday Agreement. The rights protections afforded by the ECHR and the Human Rights Act have been essential in creating confidence in Northern Ireland’s political, policing and judicial structures over the past 24 years.

We are very concerned by any potential diminution of human rights protection in Northern Ireland that might arise from this, which may impact upon the crucial trust in the Agreement and the protections that it extends to citizens in Northern Ireland. We have underlined that concern to the British Government in the context of the review established in 2020 to examine the framework of the Human Rights Act, including at the most recent meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference. We will continue to engage with the British Government to ensure that the rights and protections as guaranteed by the Good Friday Agreement are fully maintained into the future.

The system of government at Stormont is at the centre of the Good Friday Agreement and it is paramount that the institutions of power-sharing are restored. It is for the parties now, and those representatives that have been elected by the people, to come together to get the Assembly up and running, the NI Executive established and the NSMC fully operational again, and the Irish Government will continue to work to support these vital goals. I have remained and continue to remain in regular contact with the parties in Northern Ireland following the Assembly elections, and have also been in contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. 

It is vital that nothing is done to undermine political stability in Northern Ireland, and that we work collectively in support of all the institutions of the Agreement.

The UK Government’s decision to table legislation to unilaterally dis-apply elements of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is disappointing and deeply concerning. The Protocol was designed and agreed by the UK and the EU to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions and to mitigate the inevitable disruption arising for the island of Ireland from Brexit.

The Protocol fully recognises the constitutional position of Northern Ireland and the principle of consent as set out in the Good Friday Agreement. It protects North South cooperation and the all-island economy, the gains of the peace process which benefit communities North and South, and ensures ‘no diminution of rights, safeguards, or equality of opportunity’ as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.  

The fundamental purpose of the Protocol is to protect the Good Friday Agreement. Arguing that the Protocol and the Good Friday Agreement are incompatible is disingenuous and irresponsible. Taken together, they are a powerful expression of what negotiation and partnership can achieve.

A constructive and solution-focussed approach is needed from all concerned, and the Government has communicated that message clearly and strongly to the UK Government.

It is also a matter of real concern that the British government has chosen to introduce legislation on the legacy of the past, unilaterally, moving away from the process agreed in the Stormont House Agreement. We have profound concerns both on the substance of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the process of its introduction, and are deeply conscious that it has been strongly opposed by victims, by the Northern Ireland parties, and by civil society groups. There are also serious questions with regard to the Bill's compliance with international human rights obligations.

The Government has communicated our concerns and continues to engage with the UK Government and others on this most sensitive issue as a matter of urgency.

The Government will continue to do all in its power to work together with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to work for lasting peace, deeper reconciliation and a prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland.