Launch of Scottish-Irish joint review

Press release

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.”

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