Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Contrary to what the Deputy says, Europe has taken a strong position on this. It has also reframed its relationship with China in terms of the derisking approach, ensuring economic resilience at home within Europe and ensuring there are no vulnerable dependencies. In a speech to the Royal Irish Academy last year, I outlined Ireland’s position on the derisking situation and that we had to be clear-eyed in our relationship with China.

There is a strong economic relationship between Europe and China. The world is now interdependent. Globalisation has been a phenomenon for more than two decades. It may modify, but it is not going to change any time soon. The idea of just dismissing economics and trade relationships is fanciful. They are a reality.

We must do everything we possibly can to avoid importation from anywhere in the world any goods and services that have child labour underpinning their manufacture. One of the most effective approaches the EU is seeking to take is to determine how one can go into these areas and develop them effectively. Ms Bachelet did a report and we have been strongly supportive of it. In the Universal Periodic Review of China, we highlighted people’s treatment. We went public on that. It is on the record.

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