John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this matter. I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, for his presence in the Chamber.

I very much welcome the news that the World Health Organisation has invited Taiwan to take part as an observer in the upcoming World Health Assembly this month. I also ask that the Government acknowledge that this decision is significant on many levels and, in particular, that it is a decision of practical relevance to the international efforts to fight any threatened global pandemic.

With the new flu strain posing the biggest risk of a large-scale pandemic since avian flu surfaced in 1997, I am confident that the Minister and her Department will take all necessary measures to protect our citizens. That we live in a global village is a well-worn phrase. Never has that phrase been more true than when we look to the dangers posed by this new virus.

The speed and the scope of the world's response to this new virus prove the value of preparations made because of the avian flu and SARS scares. The World Health Organisation has played an active and valuable leadership role in developing emergency response measures and in ensuring that the necessary procedures are rigorously implemented across the world.

As the WHO is the most influential multilateral forum that handles health care issues confronting the international community and as it is dedicated to the goal of good for everyone, it must have the full support of every country in the world to fight any threatened pandemic.

We should welcome Taiwan's full participation in the World Health Assembly. Admitting Taiwan will serve to improve the effectiveness of the WHO by removing a significant gap in the worldwide disease prevention system. Bringing Taiwan into the WHO will serve to remove that vulnerability and will help strengthen the worldwide disease prevention system.

Taiwan's role as a key sea and air transport hub in the Asia-Pacific region makes it vulnerable to pandemics. In 2003, an outbreak of SARS spread rapidly to over 27 countries within a few months, taking the lives of more than 800 people. According to WHO research, ease of transportation between countries was the main factor facilitating the spread.

Taiwan's inclusion as an observer in the WHA is especially important in co-ordinating global responses to pandemics. Diseases do not stop at national borders and Taiwan's absence from the WHA meant that a co-ordinated global response to a pandemic outbreak was not as effective as it will now be with Taiwan's inclusion.

Taiwan is in a position to contribute powerfully to WHO activities. It is prominent in a wide range of medical and pharmaceutical fields, and has demonstrated willingness to volunteer aid and assistance to other needy countries in the recent past. Taiwan's inclusion as an observer in the WHA is also a welcome endorsement of the health rights of the citizens of Taiwan. Their welfare has been directly threatened by its inability to establish direct access to and communication with, the WHO in the past. Neither has it been able to either acquire the latest medical updates, nor receive timely assistance when epidemics occur, such as was the case with SARS when Taiwan was left vulnerable. Taiwan's inclusion as an observer in the WHA also demonstrates the improvement of the relationship between Taiwan and China. There is now significant goodwill on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The reopening of negotiations in 2008 marked a steep change in their relationship and it is heartening to see that progress is being achieved. Just recently, the two sides concluded a third round of talks, consolidating the real progress and achievements made to date. This is encouraging not only for the cross-strait relationship but also for regional stability and bodes well for a more enduring world peace.

I acknowledge the sterling role played by Deputy Noel O'Flynn who has been actively involved in all issues relating to Taiwan and equally with regard to the imminent announcement by the Minister on the visa waiver which will be very important for the Irish economy. Taiwan has a contribution to make to the Irish economy from the points of view of tourism, culture and education. The granting by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of the visa waiver in the not too distant future, complemented by Taiwan's right of admission as an observer at the World Health Assembly, is a very important development for the world and will help recognise the significant role played by Taiwan globally. I am confident the Minister of State will duly recognise the role of the World Health Authority and I await his comments on this important decision which is very good for Ireland.

See this speech in context