Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We do not intend to make any changes to the One-China policy. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work closely with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the State agencies to lead the Export Trade Council to maximise the economic benefits of our relationship with China and other states in the region.

On the matter of overseas aid, in the context of a most challenging and difficult economic time, with the country on the verge of bankruptcy in 2010-2011, over the past three years we have continued to maintain the overseas aid budget in such a way as to ensure maximum influence abroad, with particular reference to the developing world. As the Deputy will be aware, we are a neutral country. We are not involved in any military alliance or military organisation. With that in mind, we place particular emphasis on the need to provide humanitarian aid. Overseas development aid is top of our priorities. Indeed, our international reputation demonstrates the level of influence that we have in that area.

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