To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any discussions he has had with the UK Government in relation to the General Product Safety Regulation being introduced by the European Commission, which has resulted in suppliers from Great Britain no longer supplying to Northern Ireland; and (ii) any support he is offering businesses in Northern Ireland relating to challenges of the Windsor Framework.

Product safety is a reserved matter for the British Government with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) holding competence for the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR).

My officials have engaged with DBT to ensure that support is made available for businesses seeking to comply with GPSR requirements. DBT have published detailed guidance and offer direct support to queries addressed to OPSS.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

Guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/general-product-safety-regulations-northern-ireland.

My Department’s partner agencies, InterTradeIreland and Invest NI, have been providing tailored support for businesses to navigate the new trading and regulatory environment. This support includes, a range of online resources and free tailored consultancy and support services. Further my Department and Invest NI are leading a Dual Market Forum with business representatives to help co-design materials and initiatives to promote the unique trading opportunities provided by the Windsor Framework.