Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Commission’s Package of Proposals on the Northern Ireland Protocol

I strongly welcome today’s package of proposals from the European Commission aimed at finding real-world solutions to challenges that have arisen in implementing the Protocol.

I trust that it will now be the subject of serious engagement with the British Government and form the basis of a jointly agreed solution to those challenges.

Such an outcome is very much in the interests of both the EU and the UK, but most especially of the people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

The Commission has engaged deeply with the issues, with the people, and with businesses in Northern Ireland.

Today’s package reflects that engagement and is a serious response to the challenges and concerns that have arisen.

The Protocol exists because of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.

It was agreed by the EU and the UK Government, to protect the Good Friday Agreement, avoid a hard border on the island and maintain the integrity of the Single Market, in the context of the choices made by the UK Government on the terms of its departure from the EU, the Single Market and the Customs Union.

The Protocol uniquely allows Northern Ireland continued participation in the EU Customs Union and Single Market for goods, notwithstanding the UK withdrawal from the EU.

It is not surprising that in implementing such an innovative arrangement, practical challenges and concerns have emerged.

The Commission, acting in good faith, has today invited the UK Government to work with it on these proposals, which it has said are a basis for discussion.

I believe that the UK Government should accept that invitation and will engage in the same spirit.

I also encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to recognise the significance of these proposals, to engage with them, and to support these renewed efforts to arrive at agreed solutions.

Once again, I thank Commission Vice President Šefčovič and his team for their unswerving commitment to finding solutions that improve the implementation of the Protocol, to the benefit of the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.