AQW 13982/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 03/02/2021
Answered On Date: 19/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on any action they have taken to mitigate the issues arising from the implementation of Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Answer:

While there are differing views across all parties in the Executive on the decision to leave the EU, we are committed to working together to achieve the best possible outcome for our businesses and citizens.

The Executive continues to consider and discuss regular updates on impacts arising from the end of the Transition Period and we are closely engaging with the UK Government at both Ministerial and official level to deal with issues as they arise.

On 3 February we met with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič to discuss the challenges that have arisen following the end of the Transition period, and to seek action to improve the situation.

At the meeting, it was agreed that the UK and EU will have further discussions to consider what can be done to address these challenges.

We are also continuing to attend regular meetings of the Exit Operations (XO) Cabinet Committee, where we have taken the opportunity to highlight the significant issues impacting on our businesses and citizens, and to press for solutions.