Committee launches Inquiry into co-operation with Ireland

CEU007/2005 | 23 November 2005

Examining possibilities which could lead to more European Union funding for Scotland will form part of an Inquiry to be undertaken by the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee.

The Inquiry is being held to investigate possible co-operation between Scotland and Ireland and will be led by Dennis Canavan MSP, who was appointed as Reporter by the committee. View the Inquiry homepage.

The potential for a programme of co-operation projects between Scotland and Ireland (both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland), and the resultant social and economic benefits of any such projects will be assessed. Additionally, the possibility of European Union funding for such projects will be explored.

Committee Reporter Dennis Canavan said: "Over the centuries, migration has taken place in both directions between Scotland and Ireland, resulting in strong and historical links.

"As a consequence, there is considerable scope for co-operation on matters such as cultural exchange, tourism, sport, education and transport. This could have huge economic and social benefits for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in some cases helping the case for European Union funding.”

The committee is not currently aware of any European Commission ‘Interreg’ projects – community initiatives aimed at stimulating interregional cooperation – that has involved Scotland and Ireland. In contrast, ‘Interreg’ projects have taken place between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for many years, and have also involved the Republic of Ireland and Wales.

Although ‘Interreg’ is due to finish at the end of next year, the European Commission proposes to replace it with a new co-operation objective which will contain two strands: cross-border co-operation and transnational co-operation.

For cross-border co-operation initiatives, the Commission proposes to stipulate a maximum distance of 150km between the two relevant coastlines. That means that part of the Scottish coastline will qualify, as the distance between parts of Scotland's west coast and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland's north-western tip is less than 150km.

Mr Canavan continued: “It might be possible for places such as Argyll, the Western Isles, South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway to access European Union funding under the new co-operation objective. In such cases EU funding would be a bonus but, in any event, there are huge potential benefits in cooperation between Scotland and Ireland.”

Evidence will be sought from governmental bodies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; non-governmental bodies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; the European Commission; academic experts and cultural groups.

The remit of the Inquiry can be seen on the link below.

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/europe/inquiries/scotirel/eur-scotirel-home.htm

Timetable

The final day for receipt of written evidence is 31 January 2006. Thereafter, the Committee Reporter will consider submissions and take evidence from witnesses as a result.

The contact for members of the media is:

Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265
E-mail: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk

European and External Relations Committee contact information

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

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