RTE reported recently on the contents of a memo prepared by the European Commission which proposes that trade in agri-food could be done on an all-Ireland basis post Brexit. The memo entitled “Brexit and the border between Ireland and the UK” suggests that such a model would be appropriate to facilitate freer trade on the island and cites the structure as being particularly beneficial for the dairy and beef sectors.

The memo suggests however that Northern Ireland would have to remain fully compliant with EU animal health and food safety rules and therefore checks would need to take place at Northern Ireland’s ports for goods coming in from mainland UK.

The memo reportedly proposes that the UK as a whole could be included in the plans but notes that EU approval would be required. The note also comments on the risks for Ireland if there were any outbreaks of animal disease or issues with food safety in the UK. If controls between Ireland and Northern Ireland were found to contribute to such issues, among other issues, there would be a risk that Irish products could be banned from the EU.

While not apparent how border checks between Northern Ireland and mainland UK would be received both sides of the border, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed was quoted as saying he was “not alarmed” by the memo last week.