Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
216. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide clarification regarding the Government's view as to whether Scotland would or should continue to be a member state of the EU if it were to become independent; and his views on the importance of maintaining an excellent working relationship with the Scottish Government and its people. [5177/13]
View answerThe people of Scotland will vote in a referendum in 2014 on the question of independence. Until then, any question about possible independence is hypothetical. If Scotland decides to become an independent country, the matter of EU membership would be for the government of Scotland to consider in the first instance and it is not appropriate for me to say what they should do. As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has been in the European Union for the same length of time as Ireland - 40 years this year. Ireland and Scotland share interests, concerns and positions on a range of issues, many of which are dealt with at EU level. Ireland greatly values and welcomes Scotland's contribution and presence within the EU. It is strongly in our interest that this continue.
The Government continues to value its very positive relationship with the Scottish Government. Scotland remains a key partner for Ireland politically, economically and culturally. It is a priority of the Government to build on and deepen the relationship through bilateral engagements, through the work of the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh, and through cooperation across a range of policy areas within the framework of the British-Irish Council.
