Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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215. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the first monitoring report of the Windsor Framework confirms that the UK’s internal market guarantee has been met, but implementation issues remain and friction persists in trade flows between GB and Northern Ireland, the assessment his Department has made of the knock-on effects for Irish exporters and logistics firms (including those based in Cork) trading via the UK; the supports or guidance being offered to regional firms exposed to UK/Northern Ireland trade disruption; and the means by which he is ensuring Ireland is maximising trade diversification away from sole reliance on the UK market. [61818/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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222. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the recent address by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland emphasising the region’s dual-market access and the continuing importance of UK-NI trade flows, the assessment his Department has made of how UK domestic economic policy shifts (including Northern Ireland) will affect Irish exporters, particularly in Cork and the southern ports; the supports which are in place for Irish firms vulnerable to changes in UK-NI trade arrangements; and the way in which Ireland is leveraging its proximity and relationships to Northern Ireland to enhance export and investment opportunities for regional Irish firms. [62197/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 222 together.

The Windsor Framework, an agreement reached between the EU and UK in 2023, acknowledges the unique circumstances on the all-island of Ireland within the context of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU in 2016. Through the Windsor Framework, the gains of the Good Friday Agreement have been protected, while also providing certainty and clarity for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland. The agreed upon safeguards and facilitations contained within the Windsor Framework ensure that Northern Ireland, while remaining part of the United Kingdom’s internal market, also retains access to the EU’s single market for goods. Crucially, this avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland and protects the all-island economy.

Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016, successive Irish governments have prioritised supporting businesses to navigate the challenges that emerged as a result of the UK’s decision. As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have continued to engage with relevant stakeholders on this matter, most recently on 29 September 2025 when I chaired a meeting of the Brexit Stakeholders’ Forum. My officials and I will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure clear guidance and advice is available where needed.

From a customs formalities and procedures perspective, I am aware that Revenue also continues to have a strong stakeholder engagement and communications programme, including through its Customs Consultative Committee (CCC). Such engagements provide a valuable platform to engage with sectors impacted by the post Brexit trading environment.

I would also like to note the work of InterTradeIreland, who are supporting businesses in navigating this new context, as well as continuing to promote all-island trade. Through their trade hub, InterTradeIreland have consistently supported SMEs on both sides of the border to manage the complexities associated with Brexit. They have to date supported over 60,000 businesses and I am confident they are well positioned to support them through any future challenges. I am pleased to note that InterTradeIreland has reported that the total volume of trade (in goods and services) between Northern Ireland 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.

More broadly, following discussions at the Government Trade Forum, which I chair, I am aware of the concerns businesses have in adapting to a challenging global trading environment. Along with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, I launched the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification in August 2025. This plan seeks to support Ireland’s businesses through concerted actions by Departments and State agencies to adapt to the global trading environment by striking out into new and diverse markets and deepening their engagement in existing markets.

The Government Trade Forum is monitoring implementation of the Action Plan, and will ensure that the commitments made are delivered. With this, traditional markets such as the EU, US and the UK remain vital to Irish exporters. These strong established trading relationships are underpinned by strong political and people-to-people connections and it is important that we continue to invest in these relationships and maximise the value from these markets. At an EU level, I very much welcome the positive new chapter that now exists between the EU and UK. Ireland has always supported a strong EU and UK relationship, and I hope to see swift progress on the delivery of the Common Understanding which will have beneficial outcomes for EU and UK citizens.

I am confident that the range of measures outlined above will be important to support businesses as we navigate the challenges of the global trading environment, but also support us to maximise trade opportunities globally.