To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on his Department's Brexit preparations in line with the Northern Ireland protocol; and how many people are working on ensuring compliance with the protocol.

An Executive sub-committee on EU Exit issues has been established and within that my Department leads on Future Policy and Finance issues. This work includes working with other departments to understand the financial implications of ensuring compliance with the Protocol. I have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury outlining the requirement for funding to be provided to cover the costs of managing and administering the Protocol.

No members of DoF staff are currently engaged directly on ensuring compliance with the Protocol. A number of people in my department are engaged in assisting other departments in their work on the Protocol, including the provision of staff, legal advice and budgetary cover.