Question reference: S5W-26967
- Asked by: Linda Fabiani, MSP for East Kilbride, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 14 January 2020
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Current status: Answered by Michael Russell on 21 January 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the commitment set out by the UK Government in the paper, New Decade, New Approach, that it will ensure that representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive will be "invited to be part of the UK delegation in any meetings of the UK-EU Specialised or Joint Committees discussing Northern Ireland specific matters", whether it has been invited by the UK Government to send representatives to UK-EU talks, particularly in relation to matters specific to Scotland.
Answer
First and foremost, the Scottish Government welcomes the agreement reached and the return of the Northern Ireland Executive. Our First Minister has written to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to congratulate them both and to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to strengthen the relationship between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Scottish Government have been clear there must be a route for representation of all the devolved administrations in the Joint Committees and sub-committees established under the Withdrawal Agreement, especially in relation to the implementation and operation of the future relationship and dispute resolution processes. Despite the offer made to the Northern Ireland Executive by the UK Government the Scottish Government has not received any invitation to take part directly in EU-UK discussions, including in relation to matters which are either devolved or where there is a specific Scottish interest. It is vital that UK positions on such matters are agreed with involvement of the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations.