Commentary Section 2: Approval of Irish Protocol
21.This section provides for the approval of the Irish Protocol for the purposes of section 2 of the European Union Act 2011, under which primary legislation is required before a treaty which amends or replaces TEU or TFEU can be ratified by the UK.
22.Section 2(2) approves the Irish Protocol for the purposes of section 2(1)(b) of the 2011 Act.
23.Section 2(3) provides, as required by section 2(3) of the 2011 Act, that the Protocol does not fall within section 4 of that Act (cases where treaty or Article 48(6) decision attracts a referendum).