Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I join my party leader in congratulating the Taoiseach on his excellent work overseas on Ireland's behalf and on the standing he has achieved in Europe, which has been to this country's benefit in recent years. I also congratulate him on raising the issue pertaining to the WTO. He realises the Irish beef industry considers itself to be under threat and it is important to outline the possible implications were the trade agreements to go down the line that Mr. Mandelson has been seeking to pursue.

I wish to take up some issues that were mentioned in the Taoiseach's speech. On the issue of climate change, I note there is a commitment to a 20% reduction in CO2emissions by 2020. While this sounds admirable, one should consider how this is to be done and what might be the possible economic implications. I believe that Ireland often signs up to such grandiose concepts that have failed in the past at EU level. While it is politically popular to do so, are they achievable and, if so, what costs must Ireland pay? In addition to making such statements, one should consider their possible implications. I make this point in the context of the importance of the European Union being able to act as a global entity. As China consumes half the world's cement, where, as Deputy Kenny mentioned, does turning off a single light bulb in Ireland fit into the overall scheme of things? The entire world, not simply various sections of it, must buy into this concept.

As for China, which I am aware is the responsibility of the Minster for Foreign Affairs rather than the Taoiseach, I agree with his policy thus far of not boycotting the Olympics. I do not believe that sport and politics should mix. An argument can be made that perhaps politicians should stay away from the opening ceremony. However, I am unsure as that might be a meaningless exercise. Diplomatic mechanisms are available and at some point the Minister should outline the response he has received from the Chinese in respect of his representations to the Chinese Embassy expressing his concern about the treatment of Tibetans and the riots that took place in Lhasa. I note that in 2006, Ireland exported approximately €876 million worth of items to China while in 2007 this had increased to €1.27 billion, mainly in the area of chemicals and computers. In 2006, Ireland imported from China €4.4 billion worth of produce, which increased in 2007 to €4.7 billion and consisted in the main of machinery and transport.

As for making a stand on the issue of human rights, I believe we must voice our concern, but if we are to so do, we should make a hard political decision and should not use athletes or the Olympic Games. Sport always has been a unifying force and should not be used as a force that will cause division. Many means are available to us to make known our displeasure.

The leader of Fine Gael mentioned the issue of the Middle East. It is important to put on the record once again Fine Gael's policy on the Israel-Palestine conflict. This issue causes as much division in Ireland as it does in the Middle East and, like many arguments, the extremes on both sides are those which come to light. Fine Gael's policy is based on four clear pillars. First, there should be a two-state solution. Second, there should be a return to pre-1967 borders unless amended by agreement between the two parties. Third, there must be an agreed solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees who fled or left their homes in 1948 or 1967. Fourth, Israel should cease settlement activities and should dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001.

To achieve this, all Palestinians must cease all acts of violence and commit to peace. Fine Gael also recognises Israel's right to protect its citizens from attack but in so doing it should act within international law. Fine Gael believes the EU should establish a special trade agreement with Israel and Palestine to assist in the economic development of the area. I am aware of the Hamas tactic of using children as shields and that it often considers the propaganda benefit of the death of children to be of greater importance than their safety. However, punishing an entire population is not the solution. The Middle East question always will present strong and emotive responses. There is a responsibility on the conflicting parties to put in place the conditions to allow a final solution. Often when Fine Gael issues statements of this nature, it does not approach matters in a balanced manner but on the basis of whether something is right or wrong.

It is important to use this opportunity to mention Zimbabwe. Mr. Mugabe is talking of a recount or a run-off of the election although the election results are not yet known. I note that yesterday approximately 60 farmers, both white and black, were evicted from their farms in Zimbabwe. It is important that the Minister uses every diplomatic channel open to him, including through the Southern African Development Community and by making contact with the Irish ambassador in Pretoria, to get a message to President Mbeki of South Africa that what is taking place is completely unacceptable.

One element of the Lisbon treaty that I welcome is the proposed High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This will facilitate an approach with one voice because there often is a disjointed view. While I acknowledge that agreeing foreign policy among 27 nations can be difficult, it is important for the European Union to be able to speak with one voice on such issues. Events in Zimbabwe are disgraceful.

While making this point, I am conscious it is a case of Pakistan yesterday, Kenya tomorrow and Zimbabwe the day after, and one can become weary of ritual condemnation. Nevertheless, one must continue to persevere and I believe that diplomacy is the way forward. Neither telling an athlete to throw off his or her jersey nor throwing petrol or water on a torch constitute the way forward. I am given to understand that the Dalai Lama will visit London in May. Perhaps the Minister will consider issuing an invitation to him to visit Ireland, if possible. While I am unaware of the mechanisms involved and the Minister's view in this regard, such a measure often has a more positive impact than would the adoption of a negative approach.

I will revert to the Taoiseach's speech. He mentioned key priorities regarding the three-year Lisbon Agenda cycle and spoke of investing in people and modernising labour markets. At the outset of the Celtic tiger period, people always spoke of our educated workforce, our access to Europe and our ability to speak English. However, many countries, particularly China and India, have replicated this. I ask the Taoiseach, his successor and the Minister for Education and Science, to examine Ireland's language deficit. The primary education curriculum must be examined with a view to placing an emphasis on language at an early learning stage when children are most amenable to learning foreign languages.

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