The less talk about triggering Article 16 ‘the better’, Coveney says

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said the "less talk…the better" about the triggering of Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol.

He said the EU is prepared and continuing to prepare for that outcome should the mechanism be triggered, which would suspend customs and food safety checks on goods entering Northern Ireland.

Mr Coveney added that there would be “a very robust response should that happen, particularly if large elements of the protocol were to be set aside”.

But he told the Seanad that “for now, the less talk about the triggering of Article 16 and its consequences, I think the better, for the next couple of weeks”.

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Addressing the Upper House in a debate on the protocol, he said “the focus should be on negotiation, partnership and trying to find a middle ground” which “all sides in Northern Ireland can at least live with and move forward on”.

His comments came as political parties in Northern Ireland urged Britain's Brexit minister David Frost to find agreement with the European Union over the protocol. Lord Frost spent two days in Belfast meeting political leaders and representatives from the business community.

He said on Wednesday that triggering the clause, which can effectively suspend elements of the arrangements, remained a “very real option” but he would prefer to reach agreement with the EU.

Discussions continue on Wednesday and Thursday between the EU and UK teams, with European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic and Lord Frost due to meet on Friday.

Give every chance

Mr Coveney, who met Mr Sefcovic on Tuesday, said “our focus remains on those ongoing EU/UK talks. We should give those talks every chance of success”.

He said it was “difficult to sustain” a positive relationship when one party “holds out the threat to destabilise their own recently negotiated agreements”.

Mr Coveney told Senators the particular form of Brexit chosen by the British government created trade barriers. Leaving the single market and customs union and prioritising the pursuit of regulatory divergence “has inevitably created burdens for businesses and trade”, he said.

“That choice bring new checks and controls on goods and led to significant supply chain challenges resulting in needless friction, delays and some cases shortages.”

He said the protocol is there to mitigate any negative effects as much as possible. He said business leaders in the North were clear that the protocol “creates opportunities for jobs and growth” and high levels of foreign direct investment investment.