Ms Nicola Sturgeon:

I regret that I am unable to respond to Members in Gaelic as eloquently, or at all, as many of them have addressed me. On that point, in Scotland Gaelic medium education, in particular, is experiencing a resurgence. Earlier I mentioned the Sabhal Mór Ostaig Gaelic language college on Skye. It is playing a huge role in helping to move the Gaelic language in the right direction. It is one of many areas in which there is great scope for us to work together.

I thank Members for their warm welcome. I am incredibly touched by their warm and sincere expressions of friendship to Scotland. As I seek to navigate Scotland's way through the difficult months and years that no doubt lie ahead, I will draw great strength from the discussions I have had in Dublin and, in particular, the Seanad today. It is particularly nice to have been addressed by so many women. I had a very good session yesterday with the Women for Election group which I also met in Dublin last year. I am told that five of the six groups in the Seanad are led by women which, with no offence to any of the men present in the Chamber, I thoroughly endorse. Three of Scotland's political parties - my own, the Labour Party and the Conservative Party - are also led by women which is a trend in the right direction.

There was much commentary on the historic nature of this occasion. It is an historic occasion that will live with me for the rest of my life. It is also important to reflect on the fact that we are celebrating this historic occasion in an historic year for Ireland, being the centenary of the 1916 Rising. James Connolly has been mentioned. I note that Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has just come back into the Chamber. He mentioned that one of James Connolly's great comments was that it was not enough and never would be enough simply to change the symbols of a state. As a Scottish nationalist, I could not agree more with that sentiment. The leader of the Independent group also commented that independence for Ireland was transformational for the country and Irish society. My belief in Scottish independence is in exactly the same vein: it is not an end in itself but a means to building a better country. I detected a great meeting of minds on the issue.

Among my many "Yes" badge relics of the 2014 independence campaign is a "Yes" badge which was gifted to me following the marriage referendum in Ireland, which came to mind when the Sinn Féin Senator asked me the question about 16 and 17 year olds voting. One of the truly wonderful things about the Scottish referendum was not the outcome but the engagement to which it had given expression, particularly among younger voters. I am a passionate advocate of 16 and 17 year olds being able to vote not only in national referenda but also in every election. If 16 year olds are permitted to marry and take on many of the responsibilities of adulthood, as they are in many countries, so, too, should they have the ability to shape the direction of their countries. Good luck with your efforts in that direction.

I agree with many of the comments I have heard today. Senator Alice Mary Higgins spoke about the contribution Scotland made and wanted to continue to make to the European Union. Much of the debate on the European Union is focused on the benefits we derive from EU membership. The benefits are many and practical, but they are also about our sense of ourselves and our place in the world. Part of what Scotland is seeking to protect is the contribution it is able to make.

On the many defining challenges with which not only the European Union but also the planet is grappling, I am proud to say that in a small way Scotland is showing leadership. For example, the climate change targets set by Scotland were the most ambitious of any country in the world at the time. We are now meeting more than half of the net electricity demand from renewable energy sources, which shows real leadership. Similarly, we are dealing with issues that have been raised around inequality, inclusion and the demands and huge benefits of an ageing population.In saying that I do not suggest Scotland does not have a lot to learn because we face significant challenges and in contributing we also draw on lessons from others. I have, for example, been asked questions about education. I am proud of the fact that we have free tuition fee access to university in Scotland. It is something I am determined to protect, but it is not enough in and of itself. We have to find other ways to allow people, regardless of background, to take advantage of a university education. As well as having something to teach others, we have lots to learn from other countries.

Alcohol is another area in which we are seeking to innovate and experiment with a policy that could be transformational. Unfortunately, we are being held up slightly in the courts on minimum pricing. As in many other areas of public policy, we have something to offer but also lots to learn in that regard. I look forward, on all of these issues and many more, to continuing to strengthen the links between us.

Senators may think I will dodge a question. Perhaps I might do so slightly, but I will address it. I want to end by talking about the inspiration Ireland provides for many people in Scotland. It is an inspiration for those of us who believe in Scottish independence. I thoroughly endorse the comments made by a number of Senators on positive civic nationalism. Ireland is a living and breathing example of positive nationalism, with independence being the key to transforming a country. For those of us who believe in Scottish independence, that is inspirational.

Senators have asked a question to which all of the Scottish journalists present want to hear the answer. They are poised with pens in hand in case I answer it. The question was asked when I was going to make a decision on whether there would be another referendum on Scottish independence. I am sorry to disappoint Senators, but I am not going to tell them the answer to that question today. I will outline briefly the process in which we are engaged. I have said very clearly many times that in 2014 Scotland did not vote to be part of a United Kingdom that was leaving the European Union and to step off a hard Brexit cliff edge, with lots of damage to our economy and society. If that is the prospect that faces us, I believe Scotland will have the right to decide whether it wants to do so or to instead choose a better future. I said the morning after the referendum, not as leader of the SNP but as First Minister of Scotland, that we must explore all options to try to protect Scotland's interests. That is the process we are going through.

Many practical issues arise from Brexit. We have heard questions about and comments on borders such as whether it will be possible for Scotland to remain in the Single Market if the rest of the United Kingdom leaves. There are real difficulties and challenges in that regard. In unprecedented times and uncharted territory - this has never been done before - it is important that we have an open mind, imagination and an ability and a willingness to innovate to find solutions on these issues. There are differences, but I do not want to conflate the issues in Ireland with those in Scotland. If we can find practical solutions in dealing with some of the challenges, we can inspire each other to find practical solutions to others. In that sense, Ireland is a great inspiration. Ireland is an inspiration for Scotland, regardless of views on independence for Scotland or a continuing union within the United Kingdom because it is an example of a small outward looking country that has made its mark on the world. I am always struck by independent Ireland when I visit as the leader of a devolved administration. Ireland is smaller than Scotland and does not have the vast natural resources Scotland has at its disposal, yet it is proudly independent and makes its own way in the world. That is inspiring for all of us.

I will end by answering a question many Senators have asked me: how can Ireland help Scotland? I have made the following comment directly to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I know that there are priorities for Ireland in the challenges that lie ahead. Ireland can support Scotland by doing what it has done today in understanding its position, holding out the hand of friendship and being there as its neighbour, friend, ally and family. I am deeply grateful for the invitation to attend. I am even more grateful for the enormous support Ireland has shown to me and Scotland, for which I thank it so much.