Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 366: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the Columba initiative between Ireland and Scotland. [4650/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The traditionally strong relations between Ireland and Scotland continue to develop in a very positive way, including since devolution. The Irish Consulate General in Edinburgh, which was opened in 1998, is involved in a broad range of activities supporting the development of enhanced bilateral links. These include the promotion of trade, tourism, culture and investment opportunities in close co-operation with the State agencies and the Scottish Executive.

In recent years, Irish-Scottish links have also been strengthened by an increasing number of high level visits and exchanges, including visits by the President, Taoiseach and Ministers to Scotland and the attendance by the Ceann Comhairle and Cathaoirleach at the official opening of the new Scottish Parliament in October 2004. We have also welcomed a number of high level Scottish visitors here, including, most recently, First Minister Jack McConnell, MSP, who met the then Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, in Dublin in September 2004. In addition to these ongoing contacts, our participation with Scotland and other members in the British-Irish Council provides a valuable opportunity for practical consultation and co-operation on a wide range of matters of mutual interest.