Minister Byrne welcomes EU-UK joint statement on implementation of Withdrawal Agreement
Statement
08 December 2020Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD has welcomed the announcement by European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, of the agreement in principle on all issues related to the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, in particular with regard to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The announcement comes following intensive and constructive work over the past weeks by the EU and the UK and will ensure that the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, is fully operational at the end of the transition period, i.e. as of 1 January 2021.
Minister Byrne said “The Protocol protects the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, maintaining peace, stability and prosperity on the island of Ireland. It also protects the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. This news today will mean that what was agreed last year in relation to the Island of Ireland will be fully implemented, giving citizens and businesses the certainty they need.”
Minister Byrne also welcomed that as a result of this agreement, that the UK is to withdraw the contentious clauses of its Internal Market Bill and has committed that other legislation will not contain similar provisions.
Minister Byrne added “We look forward to the agreements reached in principle being formalised at an early meeting of the Joint Committee on implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement. This progress is warmly welcomed by Ireland and by all those who wish to see the Protocol work as effectively as possible from 1 January.”
ENDS
PRESS OFFICE
8 DECEMBER 2020
