Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Scottish membership of the European Union if their referendum result favours independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6468/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The 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 General in Edinburgh, and through cooperation across a range of policy areas within the framework of the British-Irish Council.