Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Russell for his ongoing interaction with us. He offered to meet us when times are better and when it is possible to travel. That would be really useful.

For a long time, Ireland has positioned itself not with cap in hand but in such a way as to demand that it be regarded as the part of the EU, recognising its geographical isolation. We often talk about being on the periphery of Europe. This is where I see so many connections with Scotland. Scotland is still on the periphery of Europe geographically but it is no longer in the EU. It is also on the periphery of the UK. Ireland is still part of the European Union but we share and will share some very considerable issues that have been addressed by others. It is imperative that we begin without delay to engage in dialogue and put in place an appropriate platform whereby we can share our concerns and try to forge a relationship that looks to solutions, notwithstanding the position that Scotland will have in the UK, for however long that might be. How long Scotland remains in the UK is a matter for itself but there is now an opportunity for us, through our shared history and shared vision for the future, to determine how we can protect our economies to the greatest extent possible. While it is difficult at this remove to know where the synergies might lie, it is important that we begin the process. In my time as a member of this committee, I will be trying to push for a much closer relationship between Scotland and Ireland, albeit in an ad hocway because Scotland will not be part of the EU. Clearly, Ireland does not want to be part of the UK. An essential part of our relationship will involve trying to forge closer links with the UK to the benefit of citizens here, in the Six Counties in the north of our country and in Scotland.