Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. He might indicate what other EU countries he is having discussions with to ensure we will move in lockstep with others. I have no difficulty with that. Regarding the Minister's discussions with the Chinese ambassador to Ireland, can he indicate the ambassador's response to the concerns the Minister set out? In a recent radio interview the ambassador described the democratic protesters in Hong Kong as terrorists. Was that the tone of his response to the Minister outlining Ireland's concerns? I appreciate that we have a long-standing and deep relationship with the People's Republic of China but, like all our relationships, it must be based on openness, frankness and the primacy of Ireland's concerns about human rights. It is important that we do not simply pay lip service to these matters but that, especially in the context of taking a seat on the UN Security Council, we are clear that this is at the forefront of our foreign policy and interactions with friends.

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