Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In fairness to him, John Bruton put a considerable effort into this project. It was the one thing he asked me to keep going. At the time, we brought it back to my Department and we put in place a dedicated small group which drives it. It is very active and it has been built on from that time. There is a considerable amount of collaboration. It has developed in many areas and there is much contact on the marine side because of Newfoundland's considerable knowledge of the marine. Although I do not know the figure off the top of my head, quite a large number of Irish business people have become involved in business working with the partnership. Several joint studies have been done and there has been a large number of delegations, mainly business ones but also teaching and academic ones. Each year there is a dedicated programme. It has been a very good project with a very small number of dedicated people.

The last few Prime Ministers of Newfoundland have visited here several times and they take the project very seriously because of the connections. I think 60% to 70% of Newfoundland's population is of Irish origin. The project has moved from being a cultural one, although that aspect continues and many books have been written and publications produced. It has developed particularly on the marine side because Newfoundland is very sophisticated and advanced in this area. It has worked here exchanging its technology, research and exploration, which is a major issue for it because its livelihood depends on it. It has proved to be a very successful project and continues to involve a large number of people.

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