Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

2:00 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As I said to Deputies Martin and Adams, I discussed the question of human rights with Vice-President Xi Jinping when he was in Ireland, with Mr. Wu, the Chairman of the party, Premier Wen Jiabao and again with Vice-President Xi Jinping in China. The Premier was forthright in his response. He recognised that China has more to do in respect of human rights but he pointed out the improvements that have been made to lift Chinese people out of poverty.

I am not aware of the individual poem which the Deputy cited and I did not specifically refer to any individual poet who might be imprisoned. The Deputy will be aware that we negotiate and discuss these matters through proper assemblies. Since 1971, when Ireland voted in favour of the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 recognising the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China, it is through this process that the issues of trade and education and all these things, including human rights, are raised. We will continue to do so from a European point of view, from a national point of view and in a bilateral way when the opportunity arises.

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