DAERA require more staff at ports - MLA

Ulster Unionist spokesperson on Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs Rosemary Barton MLA has said that the burden of the NI/RoI Protocol is not only adding significant pressure on local businesses, but also on the NI Civil Service.

Mrs Barton said: “In answer to a question of mine to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs he revealed that there are currently 143 staff based at the NI ports assisting with the implementation of the Protocol.

“The Minister’s answer further informed us that there are a further 43 DAERA Protocol posts not filled, with only 14 of the 29 vet jobs occupied.

“Many of our businesses are suffering terribly with added work and bureaucracy due to the Protocol, this level of additional demand on the local civil service is a further unnecessary burden on our society.

“It is time for a practical and sensible arrangement to be put in place to replace the Protocol, which would help everyone, including our nearest neighbours in the Republic of Ireland.”

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