Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Two recent answers from the Agriculture Minister reveal how the DUP deal has removed the ability of MLAs to scrutinise the Irish Sea Border.
“This week Minister Muir said that he was unable to tell me whether
any instructions have been issued to Environmental Health Officers on the future charging for port inspections on goods coming from Great Britain or what changes would be be due to be placed on Northern Ireland businesses under the Protocol because these are now issues for Secretary of State due to the Windsor Framework regulations.
“Let everyone understand, under the EU Official Controls Regulation checks at the EU’s borders must be charged out to business. So far this hasn’t happened here, but it is coming and now we find it can’t be interrogated or even basic information obtained through Assembly scrutiny. Thus, there are two fundamental affronts here: charging for checks on internal UK movement of goods and the shutting down of any scrutiny thereof.
“Far from the DUP deal increasing scrutiny by MLAs of the Protocol, therefore, in important respects it actually reduces the role of Stormont when it comes to the Sea Border.”
Note to editors
Mr Allister’s questions and the Minister’s responses are as follows:
1st May 2024
AQW 10615/22-27
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether any instructions have been issued to (i) Environmental Health Officers; and (ii) other relevant officers, as to the future charging for port inspections on goods coming from Great Britain (a) in general; and (b) where the goods fail the inspection.
Following the coming into force on 12 April 2024 of the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, fees and charges under the Official Controls Regulation is now subject to the direction and control of the Secretary of State.
1st May 2024
AQW 10614/22-27
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 15655/17-22, (i) to detail the Official Controls Regulation charges which would ordinarily be due to be placed on Northern Ireland businesses under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; and (ii) how this issue has progressed.
Following the coming into force on 12 April 2024 of the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, fees and charges under the Official Controls Regulation are now subject to the direction and control of the Secretary of State.