Press release
Launch of Scottish-Irish joint review
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Irish and Scottish governments have announced a joint bilateral review to look at how our two countries will cooperate and grow together over the next five years.
This is the first joint review undertaken by either country, and will cover collaboration in key policy areas including trade, research and culture, as well as joint initiatives such as the Irish-Scottish Health Forum.
It will also focus on cooperation beyond government, in the areas of business and economy, community and diaspora, academic and research links, culture, and rural, coastal and island communities.
Speaking today the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney said:
"The age-old Ireland-Scotland relationship has developed and deepened over the last two decades – facilitated by devolution in the UK; the Good Friday Agreement and the establishment of the British-Irish Council; and the opening of our Consulate in Edinburgh.
"I am ambitious for the relationship, and want to build on existing excellent cooperation, and identify new shared policy areas where we can learn from each other, and collaborate for the benefit of our citizens.
"I urge all who care about the Ireland-Scotland relationship to engage fully with this review, which will bring new focus and energy to the collaboration between our governments in the years to come."
Scottish Government External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:
"Ireland is one of Scotland’s oldest friends, linked by history, geography and culture.
"In this era of global uncertainty it is more important than ever that we seek to strengthen our relations even further, allowing us to improve in areas where we already work together and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
"I would invite those from Ireland and Scotland alike to take part in this review, so that our nations can face the future together from a position of strengthened collaboration and friendship."
Led by the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh and the Scottish Government Hub in Dublin, it will include an online questionnaire and other public consultations, leading to a joint report published in spring 2020. The report will set out shared goals and priorities for up to 2025.
This work will be supported by a steering group of Irish and Scottish officials to ensure that it remains focused and delivers on time.
People who feel they can contribute should get in touch with the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh or the Scottish Government Hub in Dublin.
More information on the review can be found on www.dfa.ie and www.gov.scot