Vol. 441 No. 6
49 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will appoint a permanent full-time consul to Newfoundland; and if he will request the Canadian Government to do likewise in Waterford in an effort to sustain and promote the strong ethnic links which exist between the south-east of Ireland and the south coast of Newfoundland.
At present, our Embassy in Ottawa has consular responsibility for Newfoundland. Our network of resident diplomatic missions is small and, because of resource constraints, must remain so for the foreseeable future. In the light of pressures elsewhere, it would not be feasible to open a separate resident consulate in Newfoundland. The question of appointing a Canadian consul in Waterford is a matter for the Canadian Government.
I am very conscious of our historical and cultural links with Newfoundland and of the province's particular connection with the south east of Ireland due to the pattern of emigration in the past from Waterford and Wexford. In recognition of these ties, the Cultural Relations Committee of my Department has for many years supported the activities of the Irish Newfoundland Association and has assisted other cultural projects in Canada which have included Newfoundland in their itineraries. I will be happy to consider ways in which we can strengthen these links in the future.
