Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

36. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the potential impact of Northern Ireland’s invocation of the ‘Stormont Brake’ on cross-border trade and regulatory alignment; and if he will provide details of any contingency plans to safeguard the economic and logistical integrity of trade flows between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. [44845/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Windsor Framework plays a crucial role in protecting the all-island economy and has provided certainty and clarity for businesses and people living in Northern Ireland, as well as ensuring the integrity of the EU Single Market.

The latest trade statistics show clear momentum in the all-island economy with evidence that supply chains across the island are increasingly integrated. InterTradeIreland has reported that the total volume of trade (in goods & services) between NI and Ireland in 2023 reached approximately €15bn, an increase of €3bn as compared to 2022. Cross-border trade in goods in 2024 reached €10.6bn, an increase of 5% on 2023.

To date, the 'Stormont Brake' has not been applied and there is therefore no impact on cross-border trade or the all-island economy. There has been one request, in December 2024, to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to apply the ‘Stormont Brake.’  The Secretary of State, on that occasion, declined to apply it.