Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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164. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade following recent remarks by the European Commission about the UK’s unilateral changes to the Windsor Framework raising trust deficits in UK-EU trade relations, if he could provide an assessment of the implications for Ireland’s cross-border trade and Northern Ireland Protocol implementation; the steps the Government is taking to ensure that Irish exporters, including from Cork port-region, are protected against regulatory or procedural divergence; and how Ireland is leveraging its position in EU policy forums to ensure the protocol remains fit-for-purpose and supports regional stability. [62500/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 it, 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.

The full, timely, and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework remains a priority for Ireland. In my engagements with my EU and UK counterparts, I continue to stress the importance of the implementation of the Windsor Framework, noting that it is crucial to protecting the gains of the Good Friday Agreement, the all-island economy, and protecting the EU single market. My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, similarly raises this matter in his engagements with both EU and UK counterparts. Additionally, within the Windsor Framework, and the wider EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, there are clear procedures and mechanisms in place to address any issues that may arise.

Specifically, the Specialised Committee, chaired by the EU and UK, meets regularly to monitor progress on Windsor Framework implementation and to discuss any matters that arise. Through these committees, my officials are afforded the opportunity to deliver an intervention on behalf of Ireland in recognition of the unique circumstances that exist on the island of Ireland as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. More broadly, across the Council of the European Union, in particular the Working Party on the United Kingdom, government officials continue to advocate and advance Ireland’s interests on this specific matter.

As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am acutely aware of the challenges that uncertainty in the global trading environment brings for businesses. Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016, successive Irish governments have prioritised supporting businesses to navigate the challenges that emerged. 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.

Following discussions at the Government Trade Forum, which I chair, I am acutely 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 engagement in existing markets, including the UK market. We continue to invest in the strong political and people-to-people connections, which allows us to maximise value from what remains a vital market for Irish exporters.

I would also like to note the work of InterTradeIreland who are supporting businesses in navigating this new context, and 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.

I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials and I will continue to advocate for and advance Ireland’s interests across all EU forums.