Godfrey Timmins
Ceist:77 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the strong ethnic links between Newfoundland and the South East of Ireland, he will agree to the setting up of a permanent consulate in St. John's.
Written Answers. - Establishment of Newfoundland Consultate.
The Deputy is no doubt referring to the possibility of opening a consulate staffed by an honorary consul.
I am not opposed in principle to the idea of appointing an honorary consul in Newfoundland. In fact there was an honorary consul in St. John's until 1985. I understand that the principal reason for his appointment related to the use of the port by Irish Shipping and, of course, this reason no longer applies.
Nevertheless, in view of the particularly strong ethnic and cultural links which exist, I am asking the ambassador to look into the possibility of an honorary consul being appointed in the area.