asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the establishment of formal cultural exchanges with Newfoundland, in view of the very close ethnic and cultural links between a large section of the population of that province of Canada and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cultural Exchanges with Newfoundland.
20.
Formal cultural exchanges between Canadian provinces and this country could take place only in the context of a cultural agreement with Canada. The absence of such an agreement does not mean, however, that useful exchanges, officially sponsored or otherwise, cannot take place. The Department of Foreign Affairs has already given assistance to the Irish Newfoundland Association in the organisation of the annual "Irish Week" in St. John's and we are in contact with the Newfoundland authorities about other Irish cultural projects with which we could assist them.
Is the Minister aware that the Irish probably have closer connections with Newfoundland than any other part of the entire globe? Would he take a personal interest in trying to develop these contacts for the benefit of both the people of Newfoundland and the people particularly of the south-east of Ireland which is the area from which most Irish immigrants to Newfoundland came?
I am so aware and I am also aware of the Deputy's personal interest in this area. Perhaps it will help him when I indicate that from July 1977 to date the moneys voted for cultural relations associations throughout Canada generally—because that has to be done through Canada—is almost twice what was voted between 1973 and 1977. I will certainly acknowledge what the Deputy has said and endeavour to promote it further.
Thank you.