Scottish-Irish joint review

The Irish and Scottish governments are launching a joint bilateral review to look at how the countries can work together over the next five years.

The review, announced by Tánaiste Simon Coveney and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop, is the first undertaken by the two countries, 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, academic and research links, culture, and rural, coastal and island communities.

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 engagement activities, leading to a joint report published in spring 2020. The report will set out shared goals and priorities for up to 2025.

Ms 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.”

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."

Background

This work will be supported by a steering group of Irish and Scottish officials to ensure that it remains focused and delivers on time.

More information on the review can be found at dfa.ie/edinburgh and gov.scot/IreScotReview

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.