EU official 'avoided answering questions' on Article 16 debacle, TDs say

EU vice-president Maroš Šefčovič accused of 'stonewalling' TDs and Senators seeking answers as to how last month’s Irish border blunder came about

European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič told the European Affairs Committee that mistakes were made in the process leading up the EU's attempt to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Picture: Oireachtas TV/PA Wire

A top European Commission boss has been accused of “stonewalling” TDs and Senators seeking answers as to how last month’s Irish border blunder came about.

The significant diplomatic and political crisis was caused by the EU’s move on Friday, January 29, to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol, only for it to be stopped at the last minute following loud protests from Dublin.