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The Taoiseach has reached out to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to raise concerns about the decision to override part of Northern Ireland’s Brexit protocol to block the entry of vaccines to the UK.
The EU is introducing export controls on vaccines manufactured within the Union, following a dispute over deficiencies in the delivery of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine to member states.
According to the Brexit protocol of Northern Ireland, all products must be exported from the EU to the North without checks or controls.
But the EU has invoked Article 16 of the protocol, which allows parts of the agreement to be unilaterally annulled in certain circumstances.
There is concern in government that this could undermine the deal.
A spokesperson for Micheál Martin told RTÉ News that the Taoiseach was aware of the problem and is “in talks with Ursula von der Leyen to raise concerns.”
DUP Leader and Prime Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster previously described the activation of Article 16 as “an incredible act of hostility.”
He said the EU is ready to use Northern Ireland “when it suits its interests”.
“At the earliest opportunity, the EU has established a strict border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the coronavirus vaccine supply chain,” he said.
He said he would urge the British prime minister to act and “use strong measures, including article 16” to advance the interests of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
The SDLP leader said that invoking Article 16 is “disproportionate and a serious error of judgment on the part of the European Commission.”
“We face a common threat. Our response must be characterized by our common values: cooperation and solidarity. We are committed to governments and the EU to find a way forward,” said Colum Eastwood.
The UK government expressed “concern” about the move.
British Minister Michael Gove called on the Vice-President of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, to “express the UK’s concern about the lack of notification from the EU about its actions in relation to the Northern Ireland protocol” within the Brexit agreement, said a spokesman for the prime minister’s office.
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