Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I accept the points that have been made by the Deputy. It is fair to say that of all global economic blocs, the European Union has been the most consistent in striving to uphold human rights and impress upon the Chinese the need to enhance human rights protection in China. There is, as I mentioned, a wide-ranging dialogue between the EU and China on all sorts of matters, from environment to trade to general economic co-operation. Part of that dialogue is an intensive focus on human rights issues such as freedom of expression, the death penalty, independence of the judiciary, prison conditions, freedom of religion and minority rights. At the latest session of that dialogue, which took place on 16 June in Beijing, the EU again raised its concerns regarding the rights of minorities, forced disappearances and the extra-legal house arrest of government critics, challenging and addressing in a forthright fashion these issues which are of major concern.

However, the world still goes around. There are major economic challenges facing the European Union and individual member states and Ireland, like all other member states, regards China as an important trading partner. While we are trying to use the clout and influence we have to ensure China prioritises these human rights challenges, we cannot afford to place ourselves at a disadvantage vis-À-vis other member states. We must be competitive in vying for trade with China. That is essential to our export sector in particular. Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.

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