Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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827. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent independence referendum in Scotland and its implications for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39844/14]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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828. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the recent independence referendum in Scotland and its implications for the North of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37617/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 827 and 828 together.

Following its referendum on 18 September, there is now a roadmap for further devolution in Scotland. I welcome the fact that the process will allow for the many different groups in Scottish society to express their views. Through that process, I hope that all parts of Scottish society can come together in a constructive and inclusive way in shaping Scotland’s future within the UK. Contacts continue with the Scottish Government, with its Cabinet Secretary for External Relations visiting Dublin last week.

This Government is in close contact with London, Edinburgh and other devolved administrations as discussions proceed on enhanced devolution for Scotland and, indeed, on the political changes across the UK outlined by Prime Minister Cameron on 18 September. Devolution of further powers in Northern Ireland will be an issue for discussion between the Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government taking account of the framework of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Good Friday Agreement set as a key objective the promotion of the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands. The commitment in that Agreement to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands is as important today as it ever was.

The further devolution of powers to Scotland and the political changes outlined by Prime Minster Cameron do of course have political and policy implications for Ireland, North and South. It will take time to tease out these implications with all stakeholders, on these islands and within the European Union.

The Smith Commission is now fully established and the Scottish parties have nominated their delegates to the Commission and made their initial submissions on proposals for further devolution. The Commission had its first full meeting on 22 October in Edinburgh. In addition, Lord Smith has received submissions and comments from a wide range of civil society organisations and individual members of the public. The Government will remain in close contact with London, Edinburgh and other devolved administrations as the Commission carries forward its important work.