Scotland's First Minister to address the upper house of the Irish Parliament

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be the first serving head of government to address the Seanad, the upper house of the Irish parliament, when she visits Dublin later this month. The First Minister will also have meetings with Irish President Michael D Higgins and Charlie Flanagan minister for foreign affairs and trade. Nicola Sturgeon is seeking to strengthen Scotland’s relationship with Ireland saying that there was a "long tradition of co-operation" between Scotland and Ireland.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland and Ireland have a shared history and a long tradition of co-operation on a range of issues.

 “In the post-Brexit landscape, it has become even more important that we work together to protect our shared interests. 

“Last year we established an innovation and investment hub in Dublin to strengthen our relationship with Ireland and promote inward investment.

 “I am proud and humbled to have been invited to address the Seanad and recognise what an honour this is. I am looking forward to the opportunity to speak to Senators about my hopes for continued work between our two nations and my plans to protect Scotland's interests in the EU."