Irish Institutions establish business partnerships with Newfoundland and Labrador counterparts

"Development of business relationships mutually beneficial" - Treacy

Mr. Noel Treacy TD, Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce today (Wednesday 3 October, 2001) announced the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Irish institutions and their Newfoundland and Labrador counterparts during a business visit to the Province by a delegation from Ireland.

The signing of the MoUs relating to the application of marine technology and distance learning by representatives of the relevant institutions on 28 September last was presided over by Minister Treacy and Newfoundland Premier Mr. Roger Grimes. [See Photo and Notes for Editors]

Minister Treacy said "the development of business partnerships with Newfoundland and Labrador has taken another important and giant step forward with the signing of these MoUs. They exemplify the spirit and intent of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government of Ireland and the Government of Newfoundland in 1996. We will continue to work together to build sustainable business partnerships that help us achieve our common goals."

Premier Roger Grimes said, "Our province is globally respected for its expertise in the development of marine technologies and is internationally recognized for its expertise in distance education. These two MOUs will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise in these areas for the mutual benefit of both jurisdictions."

The new MOUs were signed following a meeting in St. John's of the boards of the Newfoundland-based Ireland Business Partnership and the Ireland-based Ireland Newfoundland Partnership. It was the first joint meeting of the two boards since the Irish board was formally incorporated in April this year. Both Minister Treacy and Mr. Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development in Newfoundland, addressed the boards during their joint meeting. Minister Treacy was also a keynote speaker at the Wireless Vision Congress in St. John's.

Notes for Editors

The Irish Marine Institute and the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications have signed an MOU that is focused on bringing together complementary Irish and Newfoundland and Labrador technology companies to improve their ability to compete internationally. The MOU will concentrate on the application of technology in such areas as ocean and coastal zone mapping, navigation, fisheries management, environmental monitoring and marine engineering.

The second MOU was signed between the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology and Memorial University of Newfoundland and Operation ONLINE based in St. John's. Under this partnership, the signatories will collaborate to address specific segments of the international e-learning market for professional education and training and post-graduate programs.

For further details contact:

Agnes Aylward
Director - Ireland Newfoundland Partnership
631 2193