But are they Protestant or Catholic parcels? Councillor jokes over Foster's claim of nationalist Amazon NI delivery woes

Since the transition period began, there have been reports of some companies temporarily suspending shipping to Northern Ireland while they figure out how to navigate their way through the new red tape.

Online shopping giant Amazon, however, appears to have escaped major disruption to supplies to NI.

Speaking to ITV's Peston show, Arlene Foster discussed supply issues and the possibility of the UK Government invoking Article 16 of the Withdrawal Agreement to resolve them.

Article 16 is an emergency handbrake that allows either the UK or EU to unilaterally suspend operations of the Brexit deal if it is causing serious problems.

The DUP leader said: "There are now barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of course that’s not acceptable for the greater number of people who live here.

"I think there is an understanding in government and I heard the Prime Minister again on the House of Commons floor responding to one of my MPs today saying that if necessary they would trigger Article 16, so I think there is a growing understanding in Downing Street that we need to get these matters sorted.

"It's hugely important for us here in Northern Ireland, right across the community because nationalists aren't getting their Amazon parcels just as much as unionists aren't getting their Amazon parcels.

"So, it's important that we get this issues solved and it's important that we do so soon, very soon."

Many took to social media to pour cold water on the suggestion, however.

South Belfast MP Claire Hanna tweeted: "I've used Amazon twice since Brexit, both items arrived within 48 hours. Hear the same from friends and family. Similarly my grocery shop largely intact, very occasional gap, no pattern to this.

"Genuine [question] - who is seeing empty shelves & missing parcels? Is it particular items?

"Not trying to start a row here by the way - really want to understand fuller picture to ensure comment is informed. Aware of specific frictions people having with egg plants and customs nightmares for small online traders. Just seeking to see how widespread problems are for consumer."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "I've had no issues with Amazon deliveries. None. Anyway, try to shop local if you can."

One of Mrs Foster's constituents said he was having "no problems" with Amazon deliveries "or anyone else".

Green Party councillor Brian Smith joked: "The great question of this Northern Ireland protocol debacle is are Amazon Prime parcels Catholic or Protestant?"

When contacted by the Belfast Telegraph, an Amazon spokesperson said they would direct customers to the 'Brexit and Northern Ireland' page in the help and customer services section of their website, which can be viewed here.

It is understood that the only items Amazon has had issues with shipping to Northern Ireland are beers, wines and spirits as there is concern excise duty will have to be paid twice on shipments of alcohol which are sent from GB across the Irish Sea.

Three weeks ago it emerged that the online marketplace has informed its sellers that parcels going from GB to Northern Ireland will need a customs declaration from April.

Such goods going into NI from GB already require declarations but most packages are covered by a three-month exemption that is currently in place.

Mrs Foster's comments came ahead of a meeting between between the European Commission's vice president Maros Sefcovic and UK Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove to discuss the Northern Ireland Protocol.

In a letter to Mr Gove on Wednesday, Mr Sefcovic expressed concerns over "teething problems" in the implementation of the protocol but said it was now "our mutually agreed legal obligation".

Belfast Telegraph