Culture Secretary heads to Irish capital

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop will be in Dublin on Tuesday and Wednesday to meet with her ministerial counterparts, as well visit a range of joint cultural and conservation projects under way between both nations.

Shortly after Leo Varadkar’s appointment as Taoiseach and subsequent Cabinet reshuffle, Ms Hyslop will meet with Ireland’s new Foreign Affairs Minister.

Ms Hyslop said:

“Scotland and Ireland already have a strong and long-standing relationship and we want to develop economic, diplomatic and cultural links with our neighbour. We want to make more of the relationship between Scotland, its cities and regions, and those of Ireland – this isn’t just about Edinburgh and Dublin.

“The Scottish Government views Ireland as a key partner within the EU 27 – but it is also important that despite the forthcoming negotiations, relations between our countries do not become too narrowly defined by Brexit.

“While our academic and culture sectors are already collaborating well together, there is potential in the agricultural sector and areas like Ireland’s growing financial services sector. It’s important that we build on this potential and deepen economic ties between the two nations.”

The Cabinet Secretary will undertake a series of cultural site visits, where successful collaborations are taking place with the input of Scottish expertise. She will also host a business breakfast with a range of sector leaders spanning tourism, energy, food and agriculture, finance and the sciences.

Background

• The visit underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to deepening economic, cultural and diplomatic ties with Ireland, following last year’s establishment of an Innovation and Investment Hub in Dublin.

• As well as meeting Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ms Hyslop is also expected to meet with the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief Kevin Moran, and Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee.

• The visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss plans for collaborative cultural projects, especially over the Autumn and Winter festivals period.
• Details of the engagement and all costs will be published on the Scottish Government website in due course.