Northern Ireland Assembly
The Northern Ireland Assembly, when sitting, has taken a strong interest in the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and its implementation. At plenary sessions of the Assembly, the Protocol and related issues have been regularly debated. Links to key plenary debates regarding implementation of the Protocol are included below.
Most of the scrutiny of the Protocol’s implementation is being undertaken by Northern Ireland Assembly Committees. Given the breath of devolved policy areas impacted by the Protocol a range of Committees are involved in this work, including the Committee for the Executive Office (CEO); the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (CAERA); the Committee for Health (CH); the Committee for Justice (CJ); the Committee for the Economy (CE); the Committee of Finance (CF); the Committee for Infrastructure (CI); and the Ad Hoc Committee for Bill of Rights (CBR). The work of all of these Committees can be accessed . Key activities relating to the Protocol are listed below.
The Assembly also has a dedicated webpage that provides links to relevant evidence sessions, correspondence, briefing and research papers, and official and other reports. It also produces a weekly newsletter.
February 2024+
| DATE | COMMITTEE/ PLENARY | ACTIVITY | ISSUES COVERED |
|---|---|---|---|
|
19.03.2024 |
Plenary |
MLA remarks on the building of border control posts for the purposes of implementing the Protocol. |
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11.03.2024 |
Plenary |
MLA remarks on the process for notification of EU regulation on geographical indications for craft and industrial products. |
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04.03.2024 |
Plenary |
MLA remarks on the registration of Irish grass-fed beef as an all-island protected geographical indication. |
|
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26.02.2024 |
Plenary |
MLA remarks on the process for notification of EU regulation on geographical indications for craft and industrial products. |
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03.02.2024 |
Plenary |
Recalled Assembly elects a new Speaker and deputy Speakers. Business of the new Assembly then begins: First Minister and deputy First Minister are appointed, NI Executive Ministers, Official Opposition and Junior Ministers are also appointed. |
October 2022-January 2024
| DATE | COMMITTEE/ PLENARY | ACTIVITY | ISSUES COVERED |
|---|---|---|---|
|
17.01.2024 |
Plenary |
Recalled Assembly attempted and failed to elect a new Speaker due to lack of cross-community support. |
|
|
14.02.2023 |
Plenary |
Recalled Assembly attempted and failed to elect a new Speaker due to lack of cross-community support. |
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07.12.2022 |
Plenary |
Recalled Assembly attempted and failed to elect a new Speaker due to lack of cross-community support. |
|
|
27.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DoH |
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the ongoing divergence issues related to medicines and the Northern Ireland Protocol. Answer: |
|
27.10.2022 |
Plenary |
Recalled Assembly attempted and failed to elect a new Speaker due to lack of cross-community support. |
|
|
26.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that every person living in Northern Ireland has access to sufficient affordable food. Answer: |
|
26.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the official discussions he has had with the Ulster Farmer’s Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. Answer: |
|
26.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what directions or requirements have been placed on district councils as a result of the EU Protocol. Answer: |
|
26.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the Chief Veterinary Officer’s assessment of (i) the impact of the end of the Protocol grace period in December 2022 on veterinary medicines; and (ii) whether the impact is a commercial matter or one that will have a direct impact on the agricultural industry arising from the Protocol. Answer: |
|
26.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how many new EU laws, which rest within the competence of his Department, have taken legal effect in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2021, pursuant to the mechanism enshrined Article 13 (4) of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Answer: |
|
25.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how many new EU provisions affecting his areas of responsibility have been notified under the requirements of the Protocol. Answer: |
|
24.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what will be the impact on Northern Ireland as a result of the EU Industrial Emission Directive and the associated costs. Answer: |
|
24.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) what percentage of currently available veterinary medicines will be adversely affected from 31 December 2022 by the application of EU Laws; and (ii) what is the anticipated impact on the farming industry. Answer: |
|
24.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment, particularly in respect of Tuberculosis restrictions, of EU Animal Welfare laws being applicable in Northern Ireland. Answer: |
|
21.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what directions or requirements have been placed on district councils as a result of The Plant Health and Diseases of Animals (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020. Answer: |
|
21.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how many EU acts, containing provision which rests within the devolved competence of his Department, were included in the Annexes to the Northern Ireland Protocol on (i) 1 January 2021; and (ii) 1 September 2022. Answer: |
|
20.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to the Protocol, what are the risks to the local farming industry of the impact of Plant Protection Products restrictions in terms of (i) supply issues; (ii) GB companies discontinuing trade; and (iii) prohibition on using products available in the rest of the UK. Answer: |
|
20.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail how many times food intended for consumption in Northern Ireland has been delayed or rejected because of complications during protocol checks. Answer: |
|
19.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DoE |
To ask the Minister of Education how many EU acts, containing provision which rests within devolved competence of her Department, were included in the Annexes to the Northern Ireland Protocol on (i) 1 January 2021; and (ii) 1 September 2022. Answer: |
|
18.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) what is the risk to the ware potato production arising from the Protocol; and (ii) whether there is an adverse impact on the importation of GB seed potatoes. Answer: |
|
12.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DoF |
To ask the Minister of Finance how many EU acts, containing provision which rests within devolved competence of his Department, were included in the Annexes to the Northern Ireland Protocol on (i) 1 January 2021; and (ii) 1 September 2022. Answer: |
|
12.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DoH |
To ask the Minister of Health to confirm how many EU acts, containing provision which rests within devolved competence of his Department, were included in the Annexes to the Northern Ireland Protocol on (i) 1 January 2021; and (ii) 1 September 2022. Answer: |
|
12.10.2022 |
Assembly Questions |
Written Questions: DoJ |
To ask the Minister of Justice how many EU acts, containing provision which rests within the devolved competence of her Department, were included in the Annexes to the Northern Ireland Protocol on (i) 1 January 2021; and (ii) 1 September 2022. Answer: |
Jan-Oct 2022
| DATE | COMMITTEE/ PLENARY | ACTIVITY | ISSUES COVERED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.10.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfC |
To ask the Minister for Communities how many new EU laws, which rest within the competence of her Department, have taken legal effect in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2021, pursuant to Article 13(4) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. |
| 07.10.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DoH |
To ask the Minister of Health how many new EU laws, which rest within the competence of his Department, have taken legal effect in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2021, pursuant to the mechanism enshrined in Article 13(4) of the Northern Ireland Protocol. |
| 07.10.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DoJ |
To ask the Minister of Justice how many new EU laws, which rest within the competence of her Department, have taken legal effect in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2021, pursuant to Article 13(4) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. |
| 06.10.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DoF |
To ask the Minister of Finance how many new EU laws, which rest within the competence of his Department, have taken legal effect in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2021, pursuant to the mechanism enshrined in Article 13(4) of the Northern Ireland Protocol. |
| 04.10.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
To ask the Minister for the Economy how many new EU laws, which rest within the competence of his Department, have taken legal effect in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2021, pursuant to the mechanism enshrined in Article 13(4) of the Northern Ireland Protocol.Answer: |
| 03.10.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
To ask the Minister for the Economy why goods being imported to Northern Ireland from China and other countries are being charged a higher third country duty tariff than goods imported from those countries to GB. Answer: |
| 28.09.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DoH |
To ask the Minister of Health what consideration has been given to classifying all dermal fillers as medical devices, in line with protections provided under European Medical Device Regulations, to improve the safety and quality of these products. Answer: |
| 22.09.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
To ask the Minister for the Economy what guidance has been given to haulage companies bringing privately bought goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in relation to the obligation to request EORI numbers from the buyer. Answer: |
| 21.09.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the steps he is taking to relay to the Westminster government and EU the views of Northern Irish business groups and owners regarding the best way to resolve the issues around the NI Protocol. Answer: |
| 03.08.2022 | Plenary | Recalled Assembly attempted and failed to elect a new Speaker due to some Unionist MLAs refusal to do so in protest against the Protocol. | |
| 02.08.2022 | Plenary | New Assembly meets to pay tribute to Lord David Trimble. | |
| 28.07.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to provide copies of his correspondence with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, or other DEFRA officials, regarding transposing of the EU Single Use Plastics Directive into law in this jurisdiction. Answer: |
| 08.07.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) whether he will publish a food strategy to protect domestic food security in the context of the war in Ukraine and the impact of Brexit, including the loss of basic payment scheme, trade deals and labour shortages faced by farmers and farming; and (ii) for his assessment of the impact that the absence of an Executive is having on the draft food strategy. Answer: |
| 07.07.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ban the import of foie gras. Answer: |
| 27.06.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the information his Department holds in relation to the uplift in the productivity and profits of manufacturers in Northern Ireland, following the introduction of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. Answer: |
| 27.06.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) what action his Department has taken to promote Northern Ireland's position in having access to both UK and EU Markets; and (ii) how many companies have cited this as a reason for investing in Northern Ireland. Answer: |
| 22.06.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline how many foreign investment enquiries have been received since the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland came into effect, compared to the previous three years; and for his assessment of the figures. Answer: |
| 08.06.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE | To ask the Minister for the Economy what correspondence his Department has had to date with the Trader Support Service. Answer: |
| 08.06.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE | To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline what information his Department holds on the difference in overall grocery prices between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Answer: |
| 30.05.2022 | Plenary | Recalled Assembly attempted and failed to elect a new Speaker due to some Unionist MLAs refusal to do so in protest against the Protocol. | |
| 13.05.2022 | Plenary | Assembly Business including failed attempt to elect a new Speaker due to some Unionist MLAs refusal to do so in protest against the Protocol. | |
| 22.03.2022 | Plenary | Oral Questions: DfE | |
| 16.03.2022 | CEO | Oral Evidence: | Committee heard from NI Assembly EU Affairs Manager, Shauna Mageean on UK-EU talks, the Protocol and related matters. |
| 16.03.2022 | CI | Oral Evidence: | Committee heard from the Road Haulage Association about issues facing the freight and haulage sector including those related to the implementation of Brexit and the Protocol. |
| 15.03.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DH |
'To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the impact of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on the supply of medicines' |
| 10.03.2022 | CJ | Oral Evidence: | Committee received an update on matters related to EU Exit and relevant to the work of the Department of Justice. |
| 02.03.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on discussions on a veterinary agreement between the UK and the EU' |
| 01.03.2022 | Plenary | Oral Questions: DAERA and DOJ | / / |
| 01.03.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE | 'To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the import duty differences between Great Britain and Northern Ireland following the application of anti-dumping measures by the European Union on certain products from China.' Answered: |
| 22.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Question: DfE |
'To ask the Minister for the Economy for a list of all active remaining grace periods of the NI Protocol pertaining to trade.'
Answer: |
| 22.02.2022 | Plenary | Oral Questions: DfE |
/
|
| 15.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) whether Regulation (EU) 2017/625 has current authority in Northern Ireland; (ii) how, when and by what means this extent authority was obtained; and (iii) what operative regulations have been made and by whom under EU 2017/625.'
Answer:
|
| 15.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to set out the legal basis of his stated intention to halt border checks at Irish Sea ports required by the Withdrawal Agreement.'
Answer:
|
| 15.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the total cost of legal advice he received in relation to halting checks at ports.'
Answer: |
| 14.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
'To ask the Minister for the Economy whether his Department will carry out an economic impact assessment on the administrative changes for conformity markings on manufactured products delivered to or from Great Britain after 1 January 2023'
Answer: |
| 14.02.2022 | Plenary | Members' Statements | |
| 09.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether the reported legal advice he received from the former Attorney General, in relation to checks at ports, was compensated from public or private funds.'
Answer: |
| 08.02.2022 | Plenary | Oral Questions: DAERA | |
| 07.02.2022 | Plenary | Members Statements |
|
| 03.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether all articles under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive apply to Northern Ireland.'
Answer:
|
| 01.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Oral Questions: TEO |
'To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what discussions they have had with British Government representatives regarding the current negotiations with the European Union.'
Answer:
|
| 01.02.2022 | Assembly Questions | Oral Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the implementation of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive.'
Answer: |
| 25.01.2022 | Assembly Questions | Oral Questions: DfE | 'To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of the overall cost to local businesses arising from the provisions of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.' Answer: |
| 25.01.2022 | Assembly Questions | Oral Questions: DfE | 'To ask the Minister for the Economy how his Department will promote the benefits of dual market access for trade and investment.' |
| 24.01.2022 | Plenary | Oral Questions: TEO and DfE |
/ /
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| 17.01.2022 | Plenary | Members Statements | |
| 12.01.2022 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard evidence and received a from Junior Executive Ministers, Declan Kearney and Gary Middleton on UK exit from the EU and related issues.
|
| 12.01.2022 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) why Part 5 of Schedule 7 of The Agriculture Act 2020 has not been commenced; and (ii) when it is planned to do so.'
Answer:
|
| 10.01.2022 | CEO | Correspondence: |
Letter from Executive Office officials to Clerk of the Committee providing further evidence on various issues including replacement EU funding the Office of the Internal Market and Areas of Agreement reached between the UK and EU in ongoing talks about the implementation of the Protocol.
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| 06.01.2022 | CEO | Written Briefing: |
Letter from Executive Office officials to Clerk of the Committee providing further evidence on various issues regarding EU Exit including on governance of the Protocol, the wider UK-EU relationship, relevant developments in EU legislation.
|
September - December 2021
| DATE | COMMITTEE/ PLENARY | ACTIVITY | ISSUES COVERED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.12.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether the newly announced UK ban on the import of hunting trophies from many endangered and threatened species automatically extends to Northern Ireland'
Answer:
|
| 17.12.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what work he is undertaking to support sheep breeders who are having difficulty as a result of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in selling their livestock in the rest of the UK.'
Answer: |
| 15.12.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard from: Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland Humand Rights Commission, Alyson Kilpatrick; Chief Commissioner for the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Geraldine McGahey; and Chief Commissioner for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Sinéad Gibney regarding the implementation of Article 2 of the Protocol on individual rights.
|
| 13.12.2021 | Plenary | Oral Questions: TEO | / |
| 07.12.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
'To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of how e-commerce and logistics firms, such as Selazar, could ease some of the issues faced by online retailers seelling to Northern Ireland, post-Brexit'
Answer: |
| 02.12.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DHSC |
'To ask the Minister of Health whether there have been any further delays experienced in medicines coming into Northern Ireland as a result of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.'
Answer: |
| 01.12.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee briefed by European Commission Vice-President and Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maroš ŠefÄŤoviÄŤ regarding the current and future working of the Protocol.
|
| 30.11.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Statements: DAERA Minister | |
| 30.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA | 'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline any disruption being caused to Northern Ireland's food supply by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland' Answer: |
| 29.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
'To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) to detail the rise in foreign investment enquiries since the Protocol came into effect, in comparison to the previous three years; and (ii) for his assessment of the reasons for this rise.'
Answer: |
| 29.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Oral Questions: TEO and DAERA |
/
|
| 25.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the firms and companies paid a total of £361,000 by his Department in compensation for lack of progress in developing ports of entry infrastructure'
Answer: |
| 25.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfI |
'To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans there are to introduce legislation to exclude Northern Ireland drivers from the additional motor insurance cost implications arising from the Vnuk case.'
Answer: |
| 24.11.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard from The Executive Office officials on Brexit and related matters.
|
| 19.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DHSC |
'To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department is aware of pharmacies and pharmaceutical suppliers based in Northern Ireland are stockpiling particular medicines to prepare in the event of no easements being made to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland restrictions on the movement of medicines from Great Britain.'
Answer: |
| 18.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA |
'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether, subject to the European Commission communication Tackling Rising Energy Prices: A Toolbox for Action and Support, there is revenue through the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for fuel poverty measurres due to the continues participation in the EU ETS under the Protocol.'
Answer: |
| 18.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DHSC |
'To ask the Minister of Health whether the Health Service is stockpiling particular medicines to prepare in the event of no easements being made to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland restrictions on the movement of medicines from Great Britain'.
Answer: |
| 17.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA | 'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of (i) the European Commission's regulation on carbon border adjustment mechanism as a means of addressing carbon leakage; and (ii) what this means for the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.' Answer: |
| 15.11.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Questions: TEO | |
| 11.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DHSC | 'To ask the Minister of Health what implications the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland will have for approval and supply of the antiviral 'molnupiravir', now that it has been approved by the UK regulator' Answer: |
| 10.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DfE |
'To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of the current figurers for trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland'
Answer: |
| 9.11.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DoJ |
'To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) what the £3.4 milion bid in the October Monitoring Round for the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland entailed; and (ii) how this sum was determined'
Answer: |
| 9.11.2021 | Motion | Private Members Motion |
|
| 22.10.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DHSC |
'To ask the Minister of Health how the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland will impact on Northern Ireland's participation in the UK early access to medicines scheme, post-grace period.'
Answer:
|
| 20.10.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard from Members of Seanad Éireann Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union - Malcolm Byrne, Lisa Chambers, Róisín Garvey and Niall ó Donnghaile - on the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
|
| 18.10.2021 | Plenary | Matter(s) of the Day | / / / |
| 18.10.2021 | Plenary | Private Members Motion: Interparliamentary Dialogue | 'That this Assembly welcomes Vice President Maroš Šefcovic’s support for formal dialogue between this Assembly and the European Parliament; supports this effort to include the perspectives of local elected representatives and stakeholders on matters relating to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and the broader peace process; and calls on the President of the European Parliament to undertake, immediately, work to set up direct interparliamentary dialogue between the two institutions.' 46 AYE to 39 NO - Motion Carried |
| 18.10.2021 | Plenary | Private Members Motion: Interparliamentary Dialogue, Amendment 1 | 'Leave out all after the first ‘Assembly’ and insert: ‘notes Vice President Maroš Šefcovic’s support for formal dialogue between this Assembly and the European Parliament; supports efforts to include the perspectives of local elected representatives and stakeholders on matters relating to the future UK-EU relationship and the broader peace process; and calls on the President of the European Parliament, subject to wider agreement on arrangements which replace the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and restore the democratic legitimacy of the devolved institutions, to undertake work to enhance dialogue between the two institutions in areas of mutual interest and in the context of the new UK–EU Parliamentary Assembly established under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.’ 39 AYE to 46 NO - Motion Fell |
| 15.10.2021 | Assembly Questions | Oral Questions: TEO |
'To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the impact the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland has had on trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.'
Answer: |
| 14.10.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DHSC |
'To ask the Minister of Health how much of his departmental budget has been needed for administering or preparing for the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland regulations in realtion to health; and how many departmental staff are involved in this work.'
Answer: |
| 11.10.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Questions: TEO |
/ /
|
| 08.10.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DHSC | 'To ask the Minister of Health how many medicines will not be available should the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland continue in its present form.' Answer: |
| 06.10.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA | 'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the impact of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on the accessibility for local farmers and breeders to take livestock to agricultural shows in Great Britain.' Answer: |
| 05.10.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Questions: DAERA | |
| 05.10.2021 | Assembly Questions | Written Questions: DAERA | 'To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline any benefits, economic and otherwise, of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for the agricultural sector' Answer: |
| 04.10.2021 | Correspondence | Dept for Communities: |
Department for Communities Assembly Liaison Officer provided response to Committee for the Executive Office Clerk concerning Article 2 of the Protocol on individual rights and the European Commission proposal on pay transparency.
|
| 04.10.2021 | Plenary | Members' Statements |
/ /
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| 04.10.2021 | Plenary | Private Members Motion: Bespoke Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards Agreement | 'That this Assembly supports a comprehensive and bespoke agreement between the European Union and the British Government to align sanitary and phytosanitary standards, with the aim of reducing checks and paperwork on goods being imported from Britain; recognises that this is the only realistic and practical way of reducing checks within the framework of existing international agreements; acknowledges that there is widespread support from businesses here for such an agreement; and calls on the European Union and the British Government to negotiate a bespoke agreement to align sanitary and phytosanitary standards.' 48 AYE to 29 NO - Motion Carried |
| 04.10.2021 | Plenary |
Private Members Motion: Bespoke Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards Agreement - Amendment 1
|
'Leave out all after ‘sanitary and phytosanitary standards’ and insert: ‘for goods at risk, with the aim of reducing checks and paperwork on goods being imported from Great Britain; recognises that this is a realistic and practical way of reducing checks within the framework of existing international agreements; acknowledges that there is widespread support from businesses here for such an agreement; and calls on the European Union and British Government to negotiate a bespoke agreement to align sanitary and phytosanitary standards for goods at risk.'
9 AYE to 75 NO - Motion Fell
|
| 29.09.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
|
Committee heard from Junior Executive Ministers, Declan Kearney and Gary Middleton on UK exit from the EU and related issues.
|
| 28.09.2021 | Plenary |
Members' Statements
|
/
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| 27.09.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Questions: TEO and DF |
/
|
| 21.09.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Questions: DfE |
|
| 20.09.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Questions: DfE |
|
| 15.09.2021 | CF |
Oral Evidence:
|
Committee heard from the Road Haulage Association and Ulster Farmers' Union on matters relating to EU Exit and the Protocol.
|
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14.09.2021
|
Assembly Questions
|
Oral Questions: TEO
|
'To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what engagement they have had with the UK Government regarding the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland' Answer: |
|
14.09.2021
|
Plenary
|
Members' Statements and Ministerial Questions: DAERA
|
/ / / |
|
13.09.2021
|
Plenary
|
Members' Statements and Ministerial Questions: TEO
|
/
|
December 2020 - July 2021
| DATE | COMMITTEE/ PLENARY | ACTIVITY | ISSUES COVERED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09.07.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee briefed by Cabinet Officer Minister and UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost on the current and future workings of the Protocol.
|
| 05.07.2021 | Plenary | Assembly Business: Matters of the Day | |
| 30.06.2021 | CF | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard from: Professor Katy Hayward of Â鶹Íř; Dr Anna Jerzewska, Director of Trade & Borders consultancy; Barrister Martin Howe QC; and David Henig, Director of the UK Trade Policy Project at the European Centre for International Political Economy on the implementation of the Protocol and its implications.
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| 30.06.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard from Junior Executive Ministers, Declan Kearney and Gary Middleton on UK exit from the EU and related issues.
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| 28.06.2021 | Plenary | Ministerial Questions: TEO and DfE |
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| 28.06.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence: |
Committee held extra-ordinary meeting with European Commission Vice-President and Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič, to discuss the current and future workings of the Protocol.
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| 23.06.2021 | CF |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from University of Cambridge’s Graham Gudgin; University College London’s, Professor Ronan McCrea, and Queen’s University Belfast’s Professor David Phinnemore on the implementation of the Protocol and its implications.
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| 16.06.2021
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Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DH
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03.06.2021
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CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Minister of Agriculture, Edwin Poots, and DAERA official, Robert Huey on the decision to withdraw DAERA and Local Authority staff from ports where checks on goods take place due to security concerns.
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26.05.2021
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CEO |
Oral Evidence: &
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Committee heard from Junior Executive Ministers, Declan Kearney and Gordon Lyons on Brexit and related issues. Committee also heard from the Special EU Programmes Body Director, Gina McIntyre, and Programme Manager, Declan McGarrigle on PEACE PLUS programme.
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| 19.05.2021 | CE | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard from Department for Economy officials, from the EU exit preparation and transition group - Shane Murphy (SO), Alan Ramsey and Giulia NĂ Dhulchaointigh.
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| 18.05.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DH
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17.05.2021
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Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: TEO and Members' Business
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;
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10.05.2021
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Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DfE
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06.05.2021
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CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from PSNI Chief Constable Mark McEwan and Chief Constable Bobby Singleton on the withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority staff from ports due to security concerns.
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| 05.05.2021 | CI | Oral Evidence: | Committee heard from NILGA Chief Executive, Derek McCallan, and head of performance and partnerships at NILGA, Lisa O’Kane and the Director of SOLACE, John Tully. |
| 04.05.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: TEO
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;
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| 29.04.2021 | CBR |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby; NIHRC Head of the Dedicated Mechanism EU Withdrawal Team, Ellis Haughey; Equality Commission Chief Commissioner, Geraldine McGahey; and Equality Commission Director of the Dedicated Mechanism Unit, Roisin Mallon about Article 2 of the Protocol concerning rights. |
| 29.04.2021 | CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Siobhan Toland and Suzanne Wylie from Belfast City Council and Eoin Devlin and Marie Ward from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on the withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority staff from ports due to security concerns.
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| 28.04.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Junior Executive Ministers, Gordon Lyons and Declan Kearney on Brexit and related issues.
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| 22.04.2021 | CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Anne Donaghy and Peter Johnston from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council about the withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority staff from ports due to security concerns.
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| 19.04.2021 | Plenary |
Private Members Business: Caoimhe Archibald MLA
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| 15.04.2021 | CAERA |
Oral Evidence: Withdrawal of Staff from Ports ( / )
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Committee heard from Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton from the PSNI and from Robert Huey, Mark Livingstone and Denis McMahon from DAERA on the withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority staff from ports due to security concerns.
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| 14.04.2021 | CH |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Department of Health officials – Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison; Senior Principal Officer in the EU Exit Transition Unit, Eimear Smyth and EU Exit Lead on Reciprocal Healthcare and Workforce Issues, Patricia Quinn-Duffy – about the implications of Brexit on health.
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| 14.04.2021 | CEO | Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby; Equality Commission Chief Commissioner, Geraldine McGahey; and Michael Finucane from the IHREC about the implications and implementation of Article 2 of the Protocol regarding rights. |
| 24.03.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Angela McGowan of the Confederation of British Industry NI; Fergal O’Brien of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation; and Michael D’Arcy of the IBEC-CBI Northern Ireland Joint Business Council regarding UK exit from the EU and business adjustment in the post-Brexit period.
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| 24.03.2021 |
Concurrent CAERA, CE, CI
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Oral Evidence: |
Concurrent Committee for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, Committee for Economy and Committee for Infrastructure regarding the implementation of the Protocol. Committee heard from Aidan Reilly and Julie Etheridge from HMRC, Christian Benson from Fujitsu, Trader Support Service (TSS) and Mary Scullion from Fujitsu TSS about the implementation of the TSS.
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| 22.03.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: TEO
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| 11.03.2021 | CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Alan Perry from GMB union, Alan Law from NIPSA union and Kieran Ellison from Unite union about the withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority staff from ports due to security concerns.
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| 09.03.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DfE
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| 08.03.2021 | Plenary |
Matter of the Day: Declan McAleer MLA
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| 04.03.2021 |
CAERA
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Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from DAERA staff – Norman Fulton, Robert Huey, Mark Livingstone and Denis McMahon – about the building of permanent border control post facilities and regarding checks on goods at ports and points of entry. |
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25.2.2021
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CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from DAERA officials: Seamus McErlean, Chief Economist; Mark McLean, principal agricultural economist; and Tommy McNamara, Staff Officer in the environmental farm branch, on the impact of EU Exit and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
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24.02.2021
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CE | Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Head of External Affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses, Roger Pollen; NI Policy Manager for Logistics UK, Seamus Leheny; Director of NI Retail Consortium, Aodhán Connolly; and Chief Executive of Retail NI, Glyn Roberts on the impact of Brexit and the Protocol on the NI economy. |
| 24.02.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Junior Executive Ministers, Gary Middleton and Declan Kearney on Brexit and related issues.
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| 17.02.2021 | CI | Oral Evidence: |
Committee heard from Maurice Bullick from Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Riccardo Tonelli from Larne Harbour Ltd, Brian McGrath from Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners and David Holmes from Warrenpoint Harbour Authority regarding the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland ports.
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| 16.02.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DfE
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| 10.02.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Executive Office officials – Head of Equality, Rights and Identity Division, Siobhan Broderick, and Head of the Equality, Human Rights and Delivering Social Change Division, Janet Johnson – about the implications and implementation of Article 2 of the Protocol regarding rights.
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| 10.02.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on various issues including the impact of Brexit and the Protocol.
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| 08.02.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: TEO
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| 04.02.2021 | CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from DAERA staff, Ciaran Cunningham and Owen Lyttle, on the implications of Brexit for local fishing fleet.
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| 02.02.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DAERA
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| 01.02.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DF
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and
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| 27.01.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard evidence from Junior Executive Ministers, Gordon Lyons and Declan Kearney on Brexit and related issues.
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| 27.01.2021 | CI |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Department of Infrastructure officials – Head of Brexit Planning, Ciaran Crosbie; Acting Deputy Secretary for Resources, Governance and EU Group, Linda MacHugh; official from Gateways and EU Relations, Graeme Banks; and official from Safe and Accessible Travel Directorate, Chris Hughes – on issues arising from UK exit from the EU and the Protocol.
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| 20.01.2021 | CI |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Patrick Derry from Derry Refrigerated Transport, Seamus Leheny from Logistics UK, Chris Slowley from Manfreight, Paul Jackson from McBurney Transport, Darry Morgan from Morgan McLernon, Aodhán Connolly from NI Retail Consortium and John Martin from the Road Haulage Association on issues facing the transport and retail sectors as a result of Brexit.
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| 20.01.2021 | CE |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Queen’s University Belfast Professors Katy Hayward and David Phinnemore on the impact of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the implementation of the Protocol.
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| 19.01.2021 | CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from Alan McCulla from the Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation and Harry Wick from the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation on the impact of EU Exit on the fishing industry.
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| 18.01.2021 | Plenary |
Ministerial Questions: DAERA, DOJ, DfE.
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; ; ; .
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| 13.01.2021 | CEO |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from joint secretary of the North South Ministerial Council, Tim Losty, and Executive Office official lead on EU future relations, Lorraine Lynas about the impact of Brexit on North-South and East-West relations and institutions.
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| 07.01.2021 | CAERA |
Oral Evidence:
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Committee heard from DAERA officials – Norman Fulton, Robert Huey, Nicole McArthur, Denis McMahon and David Small - about operational and practical issues arising from EU Exit and the Protocol.
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| 31.12.2020 | Plenary |
Executive Committee Business
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