SDLP Assembly Leader Matthew O’Toole MLA has welcomed an agreement reached between the European Commission and British Government on access to UK IT systems which provide real time information on trade flows.

The agreement, which will build trust among the negotiating parties, is viewed as a prerequisite to progress on a deal on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Matthew O’Toole MLA said:

“Substantive progress on a key issue in the negotiations between the European Commission and the British Government is a positive sign ahead of further discussions on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“Providing access to real time information about trade flows will allow the Commission to assess the opportunities for solutions that address the concerns that have been raised on enforcement and, importantly, enhance the trust between the negotiators at a critical juncture.

“This is the work that should receive support from all those interested in reaching an accommodation between the European Commission and the British Government. As the technical talks continue, there is no rationale for the people of Northern Ireland to be denied a government to address the serious crisis in public service delivery.”