Chambers welcomes publication of Brexit Committee report

Mayo Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers and chair of the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU has welcomed the recommendations made in the committee’s interim report on the impacts of Brexit.

The committee was established following a proposal by Chambers to the Seanad to assess the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and the implications for Ireland.

Central to the work of the committee was the impact of the December 2020 Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK on various sectors of society.

The report makes numerous recommendations across the areas of trade and customs, infrastructure, rules of origin, the protocol, citizen’s rights among other areas.

Some of the key recommendations include:

● The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland: In light of the significant opposition by some politicians and groups in Northern Ireland to the Northern Ireland Protocol the committee recommends that the Irish Government and the European Union begin preparations immediately for the upcoming vote in Northern Ireland, through the consent mechanism of the Withdrawal Agreement, on the continuation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

● Rules of Origin: The committee is of the view that a more flexible interpretation of the rules of origin is needed in order to protect cross border supply chains on the island of Ireland where products of mixed origin with components from Northern Ireland and Ireland want to maintain EU and Irish status.

The committee notes in particular the difficulty being experienced by Irish milk products producers where milk from Northern Ireland is being used in Irish milk products.

● Trade and Customs: The committee recommends a review of the paperwork required for customs and ports to ensure duplication is avoided.

In addition, the committee recommends an immediate move towards the digitisation of paperwork be implemented to include automation where possible to ensure speed and efficiency is maintained at ports.

● Citizens’ Rights: Following Brexit, the rights of citizens in Northern Ireland have been severely impacted and the committee agrees that this policy area is becoming more complex as the implications emerge.

The committee notes that some of the rights protected under Article 2 of the Protocol are not being upheld and recommends that a public consultation be conducted without delay to ascertain the full level of impact on the daily lives of those living in Northern Ireland.

Such a public consultation would be fundamental in informing future policy decisions.

Committee chair Senator Chambers commented: “The committee sought to provide a platform for businesses, communities and civil society groups to discuss the impact of Brexit and the operation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

"The intention of the committee was to provide an in-depth and detailed analysis of the issues impacting people and businesses on the island of Ireland.

"The committee has, in this Interim Report, provided solutions-focused recommendations and looks forward to its return in the autumn where it will re-commence its examination in order to produce its final report by the end of the year.”