Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

When the Chinese leadership was in Ireland, we rightly demanded to know if the Government had raised the issue of human rights with it. We spoke about the heavy hand of that regime within its own borders in China and the abuse of people and workers there. It is appropriate to ask the same questions with regard to the United States. Like every elected person, I strongly support future employment at Shannon Airport. Does the Taoiseach agree it would be preferable if that did not depend on American military operations? Such a dependence would be repugnant. Does the Taoiseach agree that the indiscriminate policy of routinely shooting from unmanned missiles rockets that kill innocent civilians should be a matter of major concern to the Government, which routinely claims to be an ally and close friend of US Governments? Does it not strike the Taoiseach that this is completely at odds with respect for the human rights of innocent people in the same way as the events in Syria?

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