asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has Consular representation in Newfoundland, either by a member of the Diplomatic Corps or an honorary consul; and, if not, if he will consider the appointment of an honorary consul in view of the strong ethnic links between Newfoundland and the South eastern region of Ireland.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Consular Representation in Newfoundland.
16.
As the Deputy may be aware, there are a number of criteria to be considered in relation to the appointment of an honorary consul in a particular country or region. The prime consideration, in this context, is the size of the Irish community and its need of and access to consular services. The existing, or potential, situation regarding foreign earnings and investment is also an important factor in making such appointments. While the strong cultural link between Newfoundland and Ireland is acknowledged I feel that this, and the other criteria just mentioned, are at the moment adequately and effectively managed by our embassy in Ottawa and that the making of such an appointment would not appear to be warranted at the present time.
Is the Taoiseach aware that our embassy in Ottawa is approximately 2,000 miles away from this part of Newfoundland, basically comprised of the capital, St. John's, and the south coast which has a unique connection with the south east of Ireland, particularly the Waterford estuary area, a uniqueness because there is no similar connection with any other ethnic Irish group in the world. I suppose it can only be compared with Wales and the Welsh settlers in the Patagonian desert in South America. Surely there should be some recognition of this unique connection at official level?
The Deputy makes a good case. These things have to be decided, on balance, in regard to each particular situation. I have some idea of the factors to which the Deputy refers in Newfoundland. In fact my cultural adviser has just returned from a very successful tour of poetry readings in Newfoundland and has impressed on me the very things to which the Deputy is drawing my attention. As I have said, it is a question of balance of decision from time to time. I will ask the Department to have another look at the factors in the light of what the Deputy says.
I thank the Taoiseach for his interest in the matter. I would ask specifically that, for starters, we appoint an honorary consul in the capital of Newfoundland — St. John's. That would be a reasonable request.
Certainly, that might commend itself more to the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Finance as a first step.
The appointment of an honorary consul would not involve any real expenditure — I think it is just a nominal post — and would show that we were interested. I know the Newfoundlanders of Irish descent are extremely anxious that the link be strengthened. Irish culture, as it obtained here 100 years ago — is still maintained there in that form and they are very anxious that it be retained.
I have some idea of what the Deputy is talking about. I think it is generally agreed that the degree to which these people cling to their Irish heritage and cultural background is an extraordinary phenomenon. It might be worth while looking at the matter again in view of what the Deputy has outlined.