Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach's predecessor, following his visit to China, stated that he was "impressed" by what he noted was the Chinese Government's commitment to address human rights. Would the Taoiseach employ the same language following his recent visit? Does he have any evidence from his recent visit to express the view that he is impressed by the Chinese Government's commitment to address human rights abuses in its country?

On a different matter, the Taoiseach's colleague, Deputy Chris Andrews, and my colleague, Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh, participated in an international parliamentary delegation's visit to the Gaza Strip last weekend, where they were exposed to the reality of the ongoing Israeli blockade of that part of the Palestinian territories. Does the Taoiseach have any plans for, or will he give serious consideration to, a visit in his capacity as Taoiseach to the Palestinian territories and specifically Gaza and a meeting with Salam Fayyad, the Prime Minister of the Palestine National Assembly? I encourage him to do so.

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