John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My understanding is that 16 European countries have a trade representative in Taiwan, all of whom are based in an office that is financed mainly by the European Union. We should have somebody at that location which serves as a gateway to the greater Asian market, as well as offering an immediate market of 24 million people. If we are to improve our footprint abroad, as the Taoiseach has said he intends to do, this is a simple way of accessing the particular market without in any way damaging our relationship with China or contravening the one-China policy. It is for trade purposes only.