Committee hears evidence from economists, business and trade union representatives on impact of Protocol on Northern Ireland economy

Background   

Against the backdrop of the continuing dialogue between the UK and the EU over the future of the Protocol, this is the second evidence session of a new inquiry into the impact of the Protocol, following on from the Committee’s July 2021 introductory report. This inquiry will continue after the 5 May Northern Ireland Assembly elections. 

This evidence session will be available to watch live on ParliamentliveTV. 

Witnesses 

At 4pm the committee will hear from: 

• Dr Esmond Birnie, Senior Economist, Ulster University 
• Stephen Kelly, CEO, Manufacturing NI
• Owen Reidy, Assistant General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), with particular responsibility for Northern Ireland 

Possible question topics include 

• The economic impact of Brexit and the Protocol upon Northern Ireland  
• The distinction between the economic impact of Brexit and the Protocol, as well as between them and other factors, such as COVID or rising energy costs
• The impact the Protocol has had on the balance of Northern Ireland’s trade with the rest of the UK, with Ireland, and with the EU as a whole  
• Sectors of the economy most significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by the Protocol 
• Economic advantages, potential opportunities or mitigations for Northern Ireland under the Protocol 
• The potential economic impact of the Protocol on Northern Ireland as a destination for Foreign Direct Investment 
• The economic impact of continued political uncertainty in Northern Ireland, including in relation to the Protocol.