Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and his assurance that he will raise the matter with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He stated that the decision to close the IDA office was made on commercial grounds, but there are strong commercial reasons to reopen it. The 2013 trade figures represent a drop in the ocean compared with what we could be achieving in Taiwan. It is a shame.

I also noted the Minister of State's reference to Ireland's one-China policy, which seems to be making us reticent about developing closer links with Taiwan. That is also a shame. The policy has not stopped 18 other European countries from having representative offices in Taiwan. We should embrace Taiwan. As the Minister of State noted, relations between China and Taiwan are improving. We should not be reticent about stepping up, supporting the Taiwanese people and developing closer links.

While there, I was most struck by Taiwan's respect for human rights. It is strong on freedom of expression and belief and protects its people's human rights in ways that, unfortunately, have not yet reached mainland China. As a country that has always promoted human rights in its foreign policy, we should support Taiwan in every way possible in that respect.

I urge the Minister of State to bring my points to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I also urge the Government to send a trade delegation to examine the commercial arguments for reopening an office. It would be significant if a Minister or Minister of State was sent with representatives from the IDA or Enterprise Ireland to examine the environment and opportunities before making an informed decision on how to proceed.