Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the post-Brexit Northern Ireland protocol. [5906/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The recent engagements between the EU and the UK around the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol are welcome. The joint statement on 9 January by European Commission Vice-President Šefcovic and UK Foreign Secretary Cleverly demonstrated that progress has been made, for example, on the key issue of the EU’s access to UK customs IT systems. As they noted in their statement, this was important in building trust in relations.

While I hope that a deal can be reached as soon as possible, we have to acknowledge, however, that these are complex issues. I believe that it is best to give the EU and UK teams space to find joint solutions that will address the concerns of people and business in Northern Ireland.

The Government continues, as it has done throughout the Brexit process, to engage with all key stakeholders in this process. I had a positive meeting with Prime Minister Sunak at the British-Irish Council in November and have ongoing contact with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. I also met Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris twice in recent weeks. The Taoiseach has also spoken with Prime Minister Sunak by telephone and Minister of State for European Affairs Burke has spoken with his British counterpart, Leo Docherty.

I remain in close contact with the Northern Irish political parties, and other key stakeholders in the North, including business groups. I most recently met with party leaders in Belfast on 3 February. The Government is committed to resolving the difficulties around the Protocol and helping to ensure that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement can once again operate effectively.

We also continue to engage with our EU counterparts. The Taoiseach spoke with Commission President von der Leyen on 11 January. I met Vice President Šefcovic in Brussels last month and we maintain regular contact. Minister of State Burke is engaging with his EU counterparts and Vice President Šefcovic on this issue at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 6 February.  European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visited Ireland earlier this month and reiterated the European Parliament’s solidarity with Ireland and support for the European Commission’s approach to the talks.

The Government is also in ongoing contact with the US administration and Congress and key interlocutors in the United States. The appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland is a welcome development. We are grateful for continued bipartisan US support for peace and stability in Northern Ireland throughout the Brexit process.