Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We could be doing something to be able to point out that CRH, Glen Dimplex and 140 more Irish companies now employ 10,000 Chinese persons in China and they do so on the basis of giving them an opportunity to have a job and to contribute to the economy there which is also of benefit to Ireland's economy.

I also referred in my discussions with the Chinese Vice-President on the situation in Syria, and the rape, mutilation and savagery that is going on there and the human rights in respect of those people. I commented that I would hope the words of the Chinese Foreign Minister would be taken to heart in respect of making some impact in ameliorating that position.

Deputy Higgins is not the sole saviour of human rights in this House. We all have a responsibility here. In my responsibility as leader of the Government, I took the opportunity to raise this with the Vice-President of what is the second largest economy in the world, made no bones about that and was very clear in respect of Ireland's position. With 1.4 billion people, I am quite sure the difficulties that many of those citizens experience are challenging. They are a cultured people with a long tradition.

I commented on the noted progress that has been made by the Chinese authorities in the improvement of the human rights record and the Vice-President pointed out-----

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