Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am a little disappointed, in respect of Question No. 9, that there is no opportunity to allow our ambassador to avail of the opportunity being afforded to those EU member states that have diplomatic or trade missions in Taiwan. Our relationship with mainland China is precisely the same as those of the other EU countries, so I am unsure why this is felt to be a barrier to having an ambassador in the region attending trade meetings in Taiwan on a monthly basis. I have had representations from individuals and Irish business people living in the area who feel the opportunities available to other EU countries are not available to us.

I welcome the Minister of State's comment that we are open to a DTA agreement with Taiwan. I understand there are sensitivities with regard to our relationship with mainland China and that in the past this might have been a barrier to an agreement. However, the sensitivities between Taiwan and mainland China are not nearly as acute now as they were in the past. We all want some part of the trade with China, but getting any of it is not as easy as people might think. However, the door is open to increased business and trade with Taiwan. Business links between mainland China and Taiwan are increasing exponentially. Therefore, this opportunity offers a possibility for us to open the door into China. It would also benefit both Taiwan and Ireland. I would be very happy to hear progress was being made in terms of a mutual taxation agreement on trade, which would be of benefit to both of us.

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