Domestic Advisory Group update

Last week the Institute was represented at meetings in London of the UK Domestic Advisory Group (“DAG”), and at the annual joint UK and EU DAG meeting. After the joint meeting with the EU, a statement was issued by the UK and EU DAG’s setting out the matters discussed in more detail. On day two, representatives from both DAGs and from civil society were present at the annual Civil Society forum which provided an opportunity to feedback to representatives of the UK Government and the European Commission on key issues and concerns in implementing the Trade and Co-operation agreement. 

The UK DAG is conducting its work via the following sub-groups each of which aims to publish on GOV.UK an update on key issues being discussed in the near future:- 

• Business and Labour Mobility; 

• Trade and Customs; 

• Regulatory Cooperation and Level Playing Field; 

• Energy and Climate Change; and 

• Nations and Regions. 

Chartered Accountants Ireland participates in the Nations and Regions sub-group and was in attendance at the most recent meeting of this sub-group which took place in Edinburgh on Friday 10 November. During this meeting, attendees heard from Dimitris Dimitriadis, President of the European Economic and Social Committee’s External Relations Section as well as Irene Oldfather Vice-Chair of the UK DAG and Chair of the Sottish Advisory Forum on Europe. Broadly, concerns about youth mobility, environmental targets and the need for clearer guidance on business and economic issues were heard.   

During the UK DAG meeting, attendees heard from Professor Anand Menon (UK in a Changing Europe) about the 2026 TCA review process and what that might look like given the potential for a change in UK Government after the next election. Sir Oliver Heald, Leader of the Delegation and Co-Chair of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, was also in attendance and listened to various concerns from the UK DAG’s sub-groups.