Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State is aware that the Chinese ambassador left the Green Party conference when his ministerial colleague made reference to Tibet as a country. Was this issue raised by the ambassador or the Minister? If so, what was the view expressed? Does the Minister of State believe that this incident may have had an impact on Irish and Chinese relations?

The Chinese have given a commitment that they will reopen talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama. I understand those talks have not yet begun. When and where will they begin? Who will represent the Chinese authorities and who are they prepared to meet from the Tibetan Government in exile? What is the purpose of the talks? There is concern among the Tibetan community that once the Olympic Games are over and the world's focus moves away from Tibet that we will be back to square one.

On the other hand, I acknowledge that the Chinese situation is complex. There are 1.4 billion people living in China, while Tibet is the size of western Europe and not the size of Wexford or Wicklow. China has also started to move on the issue of human rights, albeit very slowly. However, it is important to acknowledge that Chinese people probably feel a bit under siege from the West, and that no matter what stance they take, we seem to be dissatisfied.

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