Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The point is valid. It is an important dimension to the issue of expanding the whole education industry. We can gain more from it. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, is pursuing that issue vigorously.

Deputy Timmins asked about relations with China and the review of the second phase. In terms of trade, there has been growth and an enhancement of bilateral trade in particular of exports and of Irish companies who were creating bases in China and working from there. It is early days yet but the IDA has an office there and its activity is beginning to bear fruit. However, it will take some more time before we begin to get investment here from Chinese multinationals. That is a priority we are seeking.

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