Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Pacific strategy, which Deputy Haughey mentioned, was launched by the Tánaiste quite recently. Our relationship in the region is flourishing, including at political level. We have already exceeded our target of €100 billion in two-way trade with the region. The world around us has been transformed in recent years, not just by the pandemic but by geopolitical developments. That is why the Government updated the strategy, renewing Ireland's level of ambition with more than 50 specific commitments. The cross-government stakeholders group, including the State agencies, will continue to drive implementation. My trade mission to Korea with the Ministers, Deputies Coveney, McConalogue and Harris, as well as the Tánaiste's recent visit to China, signal our increased level of engagement with this dynamic region.

On the assessment of North Korea, from talking to people in the region, they have two concerns about potential flashpoints. One is Taiwan. They are concerned that what is happening in Ukraine could happen in Taiwan and that would destabilise the region and cause a lot of suffering. The other concern is the risk caused by North Korea. One thing I was not aware of, which I learned, is that North Korea largely funds its nuclear missile programme through sophisticated cybercrime and cyberextortion. It is a world leader in that regard and that is how it funds much of its military programme. It is also co-operating with President Putin. I understand it provided weapons to Russia to assist it in its attack on Ukraine. It is not clear what President Putin has provided the North Koreans. I certainly think that provocation should be avoided.

I really feel for the people of North Korea, who have had 70 years of experiencing state control, communism, socialism and dictatorship. If anyone wants to see the contrast in different systems, just see the difference between North Korea and South Korea. North Korea was previously the more economically advanced part of the peninsula. Now it goes significantly in the other direction. People do not have basic human rights in North Korea, which is the only way that a regime of that nature can possibly stay in power. Thankfully, we do not have too much of that in Europe anymore, and have never had to experience it here.

In response to Deputy Murphy's question, my understanding is that the fuel cell-powered data centre is not on the electricity grid, which is an advantage. While it may not be powered by renewable gases initially, it could be. I was not at the meeting so I do not know all the details.

Deputy Ó Murchú mentioned High Representative Borrell's statement. It is important we acknowledge that Hamas uses human shields. It currently has hundreds of hostages in Gaza. There is evidence it has used churches, mosques, hospitals and schools. That does not for a second justify the destruction of those buildings or installations. We have dealt with terrorism here in Ireland, including terrorist organisations that wanted to bring down this State and terrorist organisations that committed terrible war crimes in Northern Ireland. I do not remember anyone ever thinking it justifiable to destroy a whole hospital because there might be a terrorist in it.

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