Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman for his kind words. I was in the Gallery of this Chamber only last week thinking I would not mind being in here some day. I did not expect it to happen so soon and in this capacity. It is funny how things turn out. I also thank Senator Power for her warm words. I have enjoyed our time working together on the education committee. No doubt we will still be making trips out to Uncle Vincent; I am sure I will not escape that particular task in my new role. Those engagements help to keep all of us on our toes, which is no harm.

Turning to the issue before us, I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, both of whom are sorry they cannot be here. I will convey the Senator's points to them. It is an issue in which I have an interest. In fact, I had initially intended to be part of the Oireachtas delegation to Taiwan and was sorry I missed it. It sounds like a very interesting place and a very positive experience.

Ireland, along with all EU trade partners, adheres to the One-China policy and, as a result, cannot have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This, however, does not preclude the development of economic and trade relations. There was an Irish trade office in Taipei from 1989 until 2011, opened originally under the auspices of IBEC and with funding primarily provided by IDA Ireland. The decision to close it in 2011 was taken by IDA Ireland on a purely commercial basis. The State agencies keep their allocation of resources under review in order to promote Ireland's economic interests as effectively as possible.

Reopening a trade office in Taiwan may be considered by the State agencies if a commercial case could be made for it. The Senator has made a strong case and I will ask that it be considered.

The Government has made extensive efforts to boost trade with China, including the official visit by now President Xi Jinping to Ireland in 2012, followed by the return visits to China by the Taoiseach and then the Tánaiste in 2012 and 2013. Vice Premier Ma Kai visited Ireland in November 2013 and last month saw another high-level visit by Liu Yunshan, a leading member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China. Total trade in goods and services between Ireland and China amounted to approximately €8 billion in 2012.

Ireland's trade with Taiwan is substantial, particularly with regard to services. In 2013, merchandise trade amounted to €344 million. Of that, exports amounted to €130 million and imports to €214 million. Trade in services in 2012 was €585 million, with €504 million in exports and €81 million in imports. The Government is keen to continue building such trade relations and promoting other commercial links. For example, the possibility of concluding a double taxation agreement between Ireland and Taiwan is being examined.

Regarding other ongoing engagements, Taiwan has been included in Ireland's working holiday programme since 2012. Ireland and EU partners have also supported, where appropriate, Taiwan's observerships at the multilateral level and there are regular exchanges at working groups and other forums. Ireland contributes to the regular and comprehensive EU dialogue with Taiwan.

Relations between China and Taiwan have improved markedly of late, with the first official talks between the two sides since 1949 taking place in February 2014 in Nanjing, China, and return talks in Taipei in June. The Government welcomes this development.

Ireland is opening three new missions in Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong this year, demonstrating its commitment to building relations with Asia. Trade with Asia is worth €23 billion annually and the region will continue to be the driver of the global economy in the years ahead. I thank the Senator for her comments and interest and I will brief the two Ministers accordingly.