Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Absolutely, the ambassador, Mr. Kelleher, has done a wonderful job and he is fluent in Chinese. The memorandum of understanding dealing with international education will lead to the substantive joint programme to which the Deputy referred. The reaction of those involved at university level and in the world of academia in China was strong in this regard.

On the question of pork, the Chinese will require approximately 700 million pigs this year. This presents an enormous opportunity. What has already begun will be followed through and a number of the companies involved in food production are very excited about that.

I have met representatives of the Chinese Investment Corporation regarding a number of bank investment opportunities and this was followed up by officials during the course of the visit. The chief executive of the IDA met a series of potential investors in Ireland.

As an unaligned country with wonderful connections all over the globe, we can do a lot to help the understanding of Sino-American relationships. Ireland is a perfect location for advancement of understanding on a number of issues.

We will work hard to develop this relationship, including investment in Ireland. There was interest expressed - I cannot put it beyond that until persons would move and decide whether to sign on the dotted line - but also serious potential, which will be followed through, for investment from here in China. One of the bigger companies is CRC, which is doing exceptionally well in north-eastern China, but I was very happy with the export potential of many of our smaller companies, which are in niche areas and which are doing well.

In response to Deputy Martin, there are approximately 500 Irish in Shanghai, and a somewhat similar number in Beijing, between the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Le Chéile group and the chamber of commerce. All of them are there because they want to be there. I spoke to a number of young teachers who are out there for a year or two years teaching English in international schools, and it is a broadening of experience for them. In that sense, it adds to the links between China and Ireland from a young person's point of view which, hopefully, can be developed and fostered during the time ahead.

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