Scottish first minister Jack McConnell has said he believes Northern Ireland would experience a range of economic and social benefits from devolution, based on his experience of devolved government in Scotland.
During a visit to Dublin where he met Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr McConnell and Mr Ahern also pledged enhanced cooperation on maximising a new inter-state structural funding programme.
Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Mr Ahern, the Scottish first minister said he saw "a devolution dividend for Northern Ireland in the same way as there had been a devolution dividend for Scotland".
"There's no doubt today that Scotland is in a far better place than it was in 1999," he said, citing lower crime and unemployment figures and better health and education levels among the general public.
In a joint statement, Mr McConnell and Mr Ahern said there was a considerable opportunity for co-operation between the Republic, Northern Ireland and Scotland under the new EU Territorial Co-operation Programme, which will provide structural funding for inter-regional and multi-state development initiatives.
The two governments also agreed to continued discussions on areas of collaboration in business, research and education, with a view to agreeing a joint action plan to implement specific proposals.
Mr Ahern said there were deep historic links between Ireland and Scotland. "There are very strong historic ties," he said.
"Our relations have developed further since Scottish devolution and since the Good Friday agreement. After our meeting today, we are committed to further develop our relationship through working together across a range of areas."