Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I am sure there is a connection in the areas of fishing and the marine as a result of trade missions dealing with companies. Our co-operative sector has developed to a further stage as I am confident will be the case in Newfoundland and Labrador. Co-operatives have changed their status and become private companies. Most companies in the Irish food sector originated as co-operatives. In many cases their shareholders are the former members of the co-operative and the transition has been successful.

I suggest that an area of high unemployment such as Labrador could learn from what happened in Ireland rather than the other way round and there is co-operation in that regard. Half the population is of Irish descent and this is a good initiative considering the small amount of money involved. I am happy to build on what was begun by the former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton. He had good reasons for the initiative and it has proved successful. It has developed well and I am confident it will continue to do so. Much has happened within the space of a decade. I refer to the excellent connections between third level educational institutions, institutes of technology and in the area of the arts, which more than justify the reason for this partnership.

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