This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Irish Sea 'no barrier' to close working
02/08/2006
The people of Scotland and Northern Ireland can learn a great deal from each other, Deputy Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Allan Wilson said today.
His words came on a visit to Northern Ireland, which will take in the University of Ulster, Newry and Kilkeel Institute and Armagh College, as well as meetings with the Department for Employment and Learning.
The visit comes as the prospect of the two nations being given joint European funding for collaborative projects moves closer.
Mr Wilson said:
"Scotland's colleges and universities are world renowned and we have produced many famed academics and scientists in the last few centuries.
"'But we cannot simply trade on our reputation alone. We must be able learn from activity elsewhere to continue to build on our reputation for education excellence and continue to encourage students from outwith Scotland to come to study at our institutions.
"Northern Ireland is one of our closest neighbours, and we are already working together with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to identify potential areas for co-operation and collaboration.
"In particular, there are proposals to access European funding for Cross-Border Co-operation over the 2007 - 2013 period. I hope that we will be able to use this new programme to bring additional resources to the work we do together.
"I believe that such close co-operation will enhance mutual understanding and deliver practical economic and social benefits.
"I'm delighted to be here today to reinforce links with Northern Ireland. I'm confident these will encourage economic development and more sustainable communities, as well as help mutual understanding of our different cultures and beliefs.
"The facilities I've seen on my visit are top class and I would actively encourage Scottish institutions to take the time to look across the Irish Sea to see how they do things here - and learn from them.
"Similarly, I would also welcome representatives from colleges and universities and business in Northern Ireland to look to Scotland as a nation to work with and share best practice.
"By working together we can raise standards and improve learning, trade and enterprise opportunities on both sides of the Irish Sea."