Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together. The Ireland Newfoundland partnership, previously named the Newfoundland and Labrador business partnership, was established on foot of a memorandum of understanding signed by the Government of Ireland and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The original agreement was signed by former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton, in 1996, with the then Premier of Newfoundland, Brian Tobin. I reaffirmed that agreement, and it was again reaffirmed when Premier Danny Williams visited Dublin in July 2004.

The agreement derives from the very significant migratory ties between Ireland and Newfoundland which date back to the 17th century. Approximately 50% of the population of Newfoundland is of Irish origin. The migration stemmed mainly from the south-east corner of Ireland and the settlement took place within a 100 mile radius of St. John's, the capital city of Newfoundland.

The purpose of the agreement is to promote mutually advantageous co-operation between the two partners through government, industrial, business, educational and cultural activities. To give effect to the provisions of the memorandum of understanding, each government has established a board and small executive office.

The Ireland Newfoundland partnership board in Dublin was established in 2001 and is chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Michael Ahern. The executive office for this function was originally located within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, but since January 2004, it has been relocated under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach.

This change reflects the widening scope of the work of the partnership, which spans co-operation initiatives and activities in a wide range of sectors. The partnership has promoted several grant schemes to encourage joint research projects between third level institutions in marine science and engineering, IT, folklore, business studies, tourism and the arts. The arts and culture sector has been an area of strong interest with successful projects completed in music, literature, drama and art. The partnership also promotes trade missions to Newfoundland and has facilitated several Newfoundland missions to Ireland.

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