Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Taoiseach the year the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership was set up; the role of the partnership; the annually funding it secured from his Department in each year from the year it was set up to when funding ceased in 2009; if he will provide a breakdown of the annual expenses of each board member of the agency for each year from when the partnership was set up until 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39705/10]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Ireland Newfoundland Partnership (INP) was established in 2001 on foot of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government of Ireland and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The original agreement, signed by former Taoiseach John Bruton in 1996, together with then Premier of Newfoundland, Brian Tobin, was re-affirmed by my predecessor, Mr. Ahern in 1999 and 2004.

The role of the INP is to manage the agreement between the two Governments, recognising the deep historical links between the two Islands, and to identify new areas for collaboration. It assists Irish organisations to identify and carry out joint projects with Newfoundland partners through government, research, business, educational and cultural activities. The Partnership also aims to raise the awareness of Newfoundland and its Irish heritage. The administrative office of the INP, originally located under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has operated under the aegis of my Department since January 2004.

Since late 2009, the work of the Partnership was integrated into the main structure of my Department. There has been a budgetary saving of €300,000 which was previously provided in my Department's Vote. The Board has also been re-structured and renamed the Ireland Newfoundland Advisory Council. The annual budget provided for the INP from 2004 is outlined in the following table.

Members do not receive a fee in connection with their work on the Advisory Council. Travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines. The following members received expenses from 2004 to date.