Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

One of the key issues for the future is the two-way relationship in education. We need to provide more opportunities for students in Ireland to study Mandarin, particularly at second level. The Confucius institutes have been established but have substantive discussions been entered into with the Chinese authorities regarding a joint programme to facilitate student participation in programmes partially located in China? To be fair to our universities, the number of students completing third level degrees in Chinese studies and language combined with business and enterprise has increased significantly. Many are spending a year in Shanghai, Beijing or elsewhere.

There is significant potential for an expansive programme of internships with Irish companies located in China. From my own experience, however, such an initiative requires a proactive approach on the part of the State in terms of resources and support. Globalisation demands greater presence of Irish people on the ground in more locations than we have historically been able to manage. From an economic perspective, that is an important policy plank. I ask the Taoiseach if he agrees.

On my last trade mission to China as Minister for Foreign Affairs the Chinese authorities officially granted access to pork and declared that China was open to Irish pork products, although not beef.

Are there signs of significant interest among the major Chinese global companies in regard to using Ireland as a gateway to Europe? Did the Taoiseach discuss that issue with Chinese companies and the IDA and Enterprise Ireland with a view to identifying the obstacles to a more significant Chinese presence in the form of multinationals?

See this speech in context