Ein cyf/Our ref: PO/FM/00634/25

Delyth Jewell MS

Chair

Culture, Communications, Welsh Language,

Sport, and International Relations Committee

Welsh Parliament

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff

CF99 1SN

  8 December 2025

Dear Delyth,

Thank you for your letter dated 27 November inviting me to take part in the Committee’s re-consideration of Wales-Ireland relations in light of the new Shared Statement.

Since my election as First Minister I have been committed to focusing our efforts on delivery. This has been clearly set out in the International Delivery Plan, and the newly signed Shared Statement with its sharp focus on key areas of collaboration, is part of that.

You are aware from your original inquiry that our relations with Ireland is one of our highest priorities when it comes to international partnerships, and I was pleased to welcome Irish businesses to the Investment Summit and to welcome Irish leaders to Wales this week, helping to strengthen our relations.

With us only being six-months into the signing of the new Shared Statement, and with recent changes within the Irish Government, I feel that it would be more beneficial to wait and to allow for a more meaningful review at a later date.

My officials will, of course, work with you to ensure an effective and meaningful Committee visit to Ireland in February, as this will provide an opportunity for the Committee to continue to strengthen their own relations with Ireland, and to see directly what is being delivered.

Yours Sincerely,

Eluned Morgan