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

I have two points to put to the delegates that have absolutely nothing to do with this committee.

First, on trade between the European Union and Taiwan, in Taipei there is a European Union office, from which the larger countries work. They include Germany, France and some of the others, but Ireland has to observe the one China policy, which we and everyone else does. It does not interfere with their trade, but smaller countries are afraid to engage. The European Union office is staffed by different member states who are trading there. I would like to see the European Union deciding as a collective to support that office in order that Ireland could work through it and to protect everyone. It is an initiative the European Union could certainly take. There are 24 million people living in Taiwan and it would be a worthwhile trading partner once the one China policy was overcome. It is a gateway to China, Asia and so on. I ask the delegates to consider that suggestion.

Second, an unrelated issue, this week saw the death of Ms Mary Phelan, a sister of Jo Jo Dullard, the lady who has been missing for the last 21 years. I appeal to both of our guests, in the context of a recent visit to the Parliament by the late Ms Phelan, Ms Lucia O'Farrell and others who have cases they are pursuing through the State and not getting the support of the State. They want to have their rights vindicated and have gone to the European court. Will our guests, please, not forget them?