Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I can confirm that my Department briefed the Taoiseach on human rights issues as part of the Taoiseach's brief for going to China. With respect to the approach taken to human rights issues, the principal political agreement concluded between the Irish Government and China was the strategic partnership agreement. It is significant and important that human rights form part of that agreement and are specifically identified as one of the issues which will form and be a regular part of the discussion between Ireland and China. Obviously these discussions will be followed up and there will be a number of other ministerial visits this year. The Minister for Agriculture and Food will visit China next month and I intend to visit China later in the year as part of our trade work. In all of our discussions, the opportunity will be taken to raise and pursue the human rights issue.

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