Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The sensitivity with regard to neighbouring ambassadors concerns the issue of political recognition. Our policy has been and continues to be that this is something we are not prepared to do.

Even when there has been ministerial engagement with Taiwan from other EU countries, it has been at a very low level. In fact, it is very infrequent. The vast majority of countries have not engaged at that level at all. It is a very sensitive area. We are treading a fine line. Our official position is that we recognise the "one China" policy. We have to differentiate. We are anxious to deepen and strengthen trade relations. When trade representatives visit Taipei, they use the clear EU infrastructure that is there. Obviously, there are always cost considerations and implications with regard to a decision like the double taxation agreement, which is under active consideration. I think that is an important step. I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the process of consideration that is under way with the stakeholders, including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is important that it is under active consideration. I do not think anybody doubts the significance, in terms of potential, of the growth of this trade relationship. However, we need to bear in mind all the political sensitivities that exist.

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