Committee to investigate decision to withdraw ports staff

By Michael McHugh, PA

A Stormont committee is to investigate the decision to withdraw staff conducting post-Brexit port checks in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture temporarily suspended physical scrutiny of animal-based food produce arriving at Larne and Belfast ports recently.

It followed concerns for the safety of staff following the discovery of threatening graffiti.

Members of the Agriculture Committee voted by a majority on Thursday in favour of an inquiry into the department’s decision.

Slogans opposing a so-called Irish Sea border had appeared in the Larne area in Co Antrim.

Former Stormont agriculture minister Edwin Poots ordered the suspension of checks shortly before stepping down from the role to receive medical treatment.

His successor Gordon Lyons maintained the position.

The PSNI has since said there was no evidence of “credible threats”.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Philip McGuigan proposed the committee inquiry, saying: “It is clear that this decision warrants further investigation and scrutiny.”

DUP members on the committee said the safety of staff was paramount.

MLA William Irwin said: “We are playing a bit of politics and I think it is dangerous. It is important we act sensibly on this.”