Tánaiste Micheál Martin has called on political parties in Northern Ireland to reenter the Government following the new agreement on the Northern Irish Protocol.
It comes following the historic agreement between the EU and the UK on Brexit and the new “Windsor Framework”.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday afternoon that goods entering Northern Ireland will now enter via a red or green lane.
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It comes following anger in Northern Ireland that the Protocol meant goods entering the region from Great Britain were subjected to checks and additional paperwork, effectively creating a sea border between the regions.
Goods staying in Northern Ireland will enter via the green lane and will not be subjected to checks, while goods “at risk of entering the EU” will enter via the red lane.
Mr Martin, who is Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, welcomed the agreement, saying that it was a “new way forward”.
He said: “This new agreement, the ‘Windsor Framework’ is the result of genuine engagement, and of the EU and UK working together and listening to the concerns raised by elected representatives, citizens and business in Northern Ireland.
“From the outset, we have always said that the only sustainable outcome is one based on jointly agreed solutions.
“I heard first-hand the concerns of many unionists. I believe they will see in this a genuine response to their genuine concerns.
“This new Framework will, for example, ensure that the same food will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK.
“Medicines will also be available to people in Northern Ireland at the same time and under the same conditions as the rest of the UK.
“Working together the EU and the UK have ensured that Northern Ireland benefits by having unique access to both the EU single market and the UK’s internal market. “The consensus reached today between the EU and the UK will provide the certainty and stability that Northern Ireland needs in order to move forward.”
Mr Martin said that the focus must now be on standing the Northern Irish Assembly back up. He said that while he accepted that some parties will need time to “consider” the deal, he would “urge political leaders in Northern Ireland to act quickly, to put in place institutions that can respond directly to the needs of the people of Northern Ireland”.
He continued: “I share the hope that today’s announcement allows the EU and the UK to open a new chapter in their relationship.
“The EU and the UK are natural partners in addressing the global challenges we face, whether supporting Ukraine or addressing climate change. It is in Ireland’s interests that the EU and the UK have a positive, forward-looking relationship.
“Today’s agreement also provides an opportunity for an improved British-Irish partnership, which has been so vital for peace and prosperity on these islands.”
Elsewhere, Mr Sunak unveiled the “Stormont brake”.
The Prime Minister said: “The elected Assembly can pull the brake for changes to EU goods rules that would have significant and lasting effects on everyday lives.
“When pulled, the UK government will have a veto.”
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