Vol. 487 No. 5
45 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set up a statutory body to protect and retain the strong ethnic links going back over two hundred years which have existed between Newfoundland and areas adjoining the Waterford estuary and which are in danger of being lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4410/98]
I acknowledge and welcome the strong historical and ethnic links between Newfoundland and Ireland, in particular the counties of Waterford and Wexford, referred to by the Deputy.
Our recognition of the importance of those links has been shown in recent years by the appointment of an Honorary Consul in St. John's, Newfoundland, the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding in 1996 with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on economic and cultural matters, and the exchange of ministerial visits at the highest level.
In addition our Ambassador to Canada regularly visits Newfoundland not only to support and promote our interests but to foster the embassy's very good relations with the many people there of Irish birth and descent.
Given these developments, I do not think Irish links with Newfoundland are in danger of being lost, as the Deputy suggests.
