Newfoundlanders answer west's call

Newfoundland, home to many Irish emigrants over past generations, has decided to repay a "debt". It has come to the aid of a west of Ireland "labour crisis".

The "crisis" is in the tourism industry, where hoteliers and operators have been finding it increasingly difficult to hold on to trained staff. More than 1,000 Newfoundlanders have now responded to an appeal from the Galway Chamber of Commerce. The first of the applicants will arrive next month.

There has been a "terrific response" from the hotel industry, according to the chamber. Most of the recruits are third-level students of tourism and "hospitality", and will work here for periods of three months to a year.

"We have had trade relations with Newfoundland since 1995, so this initiative was a development of that," said Ms Meadhbh Killilea, of the chamber, yesterday.

One of the main difficulties associated with work in tourism is its seasonal nature, along with pay and conditions. "The minimum wage of £4.40 an hour and accommodation will apply," Ms Killilea said.