Dáil debates

Wednesday, 2 February 2005

Ceisteanna — Questions.

Official Engagements.

11:00 am

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach the main purpose of his planned visit to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33211/04]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 3: To ask the Taoiseach the official visits abroad he plans to make in the first six months of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34257/04]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 4: To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the outcome of his recent visit to China. [34599/04]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 5: To ask the Taoiseach the matters discussed in his meetings with political leaders during his recent visit to China; if he raised with Chinese leaders ongoing concerns regarding the human rights situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34600/04]

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 6: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to China in January 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34609/04]

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1381/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach if, in regard to his recent visit to China, he will report on his discussions concerning human rights violations and on progress in this regard. [1433/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Taoiseach if, in regard to his recent visit to China, he will report on discussions concerning the proposed lifting of the embargo by the EU on the sale of arms to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1434/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 10: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent trade mission to China. [1450/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 11: To ask the Taoiseach the matters discussed and conclusions reached at his meeting with the Chinese Prime Minister, Mr. Wen Jiabao. [1451/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 12: To ask the Taoiseach if he has received an agenda for the spring 2005 European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1464/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 13: To ask the Taoiseach his priorities for the spring 2005 European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1465/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 14: To ask the Taoiseach the official visits abroad he plans to make during the current session of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1467/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 15: To ask the Taoiseach the role he envisions the National Forum on Europe playing in regard to the proposed new EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1472/05]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Taoiseach when he next expects to visit the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34095/04]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: To ask the Taoiseach if he will convene a meeting of the Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board during his next visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34096/04]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Taoiseach if he plans to visit the United States around St. Patrick's Day; the details of the programme agreed for such a visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34258/04]

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 19: To ask the Taoiseach when he next expects to visit the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34614/04]

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 20: To ask the Taoiseach if he will convene a meeting of the Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board when he next visits the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34615/04]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 21: To ask the Taoiseach when he next expects to meet with the President of the United States of America, Mr. George W. Bush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1454/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 22: To ask the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the President of the United States, Mr. George W. Bush, since his recent inauguration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1462/05]

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 23: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent contacts with the US Administration. [1463/05]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 24: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent official visit to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2457/05]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 25: To ask the Taoiseach the issues he discussed during his recent meeting with the Chinese Premier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/05]

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 25, inclusive, together.

I made an official visit to China and Hong Kong from 18 to 22 January at the invitation of the authorities there. The overall purpose of the visit was to further enhance Ireland's strong economic and trade links with China. I was accompanied on the trip by my colleagues, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister for Health and Children, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, and in Hong Kong by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The political element of the visit covered a number of important meetings. I met with President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa of Hong Kong and Chairman Wu of the National People's Congress. My discussions with the Chinese leadership focused on bilateral and trade relations, EU-China relations and political issues, including human rights and the proposed lifting of the arms embargo by the European Union.

I also had meetings with Mayor Han Zheng of Shanghai and Vice Mayor Tang of Shanghai where the proposed twinning of Cork with Shanghai and the hosting by Shanghai of the 2007 Special Olympics were discussed.

On this visit, I led the biggest trade delegation ever to leave Ireland. It comprised more than 200 people representing over 120 companies in a wide variety of business and academic sectors. This element of the visit was co-ordinated by Enterprise Ireland. The visit allowed for meetings between the Ministers accompanying me and their Chinese counterparts in bilateral sessions and at round table meetings. I spoke at three key business breakfasts organised by Enterprise Ireland. During the visit, I attended a number of tourism, agriculture, food and drink, education and Shannon Development events.

China is the world's fifth largest economy and it is essential that Ireland makes its presence firmly felt there. The visit was designed to drive forward our economic, trade, agriculture, education and tourism interests through dedicated commercial and trade events and signings with Chinese partners. I am pleased that contracts worth €125.8 million were signed by Irish businesses and colleges in the course of the mission. Significant investment to the tune of €46.5 million was made in China by Irish companies during the visit. The importance of the Chinese economy to Ireland is reflected in the Government's Asia strategy, a new phase of which is currently being prepared. My visit afforded political outreach and awareness-raising through keynote speeches at the prestigious Tsinghua and Fudan universities.

The importance of tourism, including cultural tourism, was addressed throughout the visit. The Irish traditional music group, Dervish, and a group of dancers performed at cultural events in Beijing and Shanghai. The Hong Kong leg of my journey coincided with a visit by the GAA All-Stars. I took the opportunity to watch them play and to meet the teams afterwards.

While in Hong Kong, I also had a short bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin. We discussed bilateral relations, Canadian support for the Northern Ireland peace process and UN reform.

I will travel to Bulgaria and Poland on 11 and 12 February for bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Prime Minister Belka. In addition to my traditional visit to North America for St. Patrick's Day, and my attendance at the European Council meetings in Brussels in March and June, I also propose to visit Spain and Germany. Dates for these meetings are still under discussion.

The Luxembourg Presidency has not yet issued an agenda for the Spring European Council. This is unlikely to issue before mid-February. The Spring European Council will focus on Europe's economic and social reform agenda, known as the Lisbon Agenda. The Lisbon Agenda is subject this year to a mid-term review of progress. The Government's priority is to ensure that strong political focus is maintained on progressing with the series of reforms set out in March 2000 at the Lisbon European Council, so as to ensure that Europe meets its economic and competitiveness goals. Our focus has been on prioritising initiatives and reforms in the area of growth and employment.

As an independent body, it is a matter for the National Forum on Europe to decide the role it intends to play in regard to stimulating debate on the proposed European constitution. The National Forum on Europe has played a valuable role in facilitating open and independent debate on the work of the Intergovernmental Conference that led to the formulation of the text of the proposed European constitution and I am confident this work will continue. However, I do not wish to get drawn into any debate on how the forum will conduct its business in the coming months. As I have said, the forum is an independent body and it is a matter for it to decide how best to continue to facilitate debate on matters of importance on the European agenda.

I sent a message of congratulations to President Bush on his inauguration and I expect to meet with him in Washington for St. Patrick's Day. The programme for my visit has yet to be finalised. However, I expect to participate in the traditional ceremonies at the White House and on Capitol Hill and to meet with the Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board in the course of my visit.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I congratulate the Taoiseach on the success of the mission to China. I especially congratulate him on managing to coincide with the All-Stars visit. I presume I will see him in Parnell Park under floodlights on Saturday evening.

In so far as it is possible to answer this question, will the Taoiseach indicate to the House what was the balance in terms of the success of the mission as regards investment in China and investment by China here in terms of trade?

What is the Government's attitude to the question of a consulate in Hong Kong, the location of the greatest number of Irish citizens in the south-east Asia region? Further, what is the Government's attitude to the issue of the EU arms embargo? Is it the Government's view that the Chinese Government has sufficiently met these requirements? Will the Taoiseach inform the House whether he raised the issue of human rights abuses in China? If so, was it a perfunctory compliance with the necessity to do so or did serious exchanges on the issue take place?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy knows, two-way trade is important in the context of balance of trade. A small number of larger Irish companies are seriously examining the prospect of investing in the Chinese market. On this occasion we were involved with Kerry Group, which is due to open its ingredients plant. It sees a significant gain in investing in the huge Chinese market and has therefore built up contacts and agents there in recent years — as it has done elsewhere — and it now has more than 40 companies worldwide.

A number of fairly small companies producing specialised technology products also see good prospects for them in investing on the ground in China. Few of those companies see themselves establishing manufacturing plants there but rather investing at a certain end of the market. The potential for investment does not involve a large number of companies. From what I have seen, a company needs to achieve a critical mass and have a very dedicated set up to be able to do so. Any company that invests on that basis will not work through local agents.

Last year the authorities in Shanghai brought in a Rover plant from the UK but they are now encouraging some of its big businesses to invest outside China and build up trade in other centres, which is a new departure for China that derives from the huge wealth in that region. There is a potential for Ireland to receive some of that investment too. France, Britain and Germany are fighting for such Chinese foreign investment in a hugely competitive market. In that context, this was my second visit to China in six or seven years, whereas President Chirac and Gerhardt Schroeder, in particular, seem to visit with huge delegations almost annually. Other countries are ahead in terms of attracting investment in a significant manner through building up extensive relationships. However, there are also opportunities for Ireland.

A large number of Irish companies now trade with China both directly and through agents — an area in which there is a huge potential for growth. I admire the efforts made by these Irish companies in order to enter the Chinese market. Many of these companies are small — some are larger — but they have developed business contacts and are doing serious business through agents in Shanghai, Beijing and other regions.

Last year the Irish Presidency of the EU dealt with the arms embargo on China and we brought the issue a long way. There was a great deal of pressure on the Presidency to finalise the matter at that stage but we did not, mainly because the British Government was holding out at the insistence of the US. My view is that the issue will probably be resolved, if not during the Luxembourg Presidency, by the UK Presidency itself, having been the main obstacle to it. I do say that in a cynical manner, but that is how these things happen and that is the position as I see it now. The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, was in China last week and, judging by his speech, I would think the issues will be resolved by mid-year.

The Department of Foreign Affairs argued strongly that this issue was not just a question of lifting the arms embargo. The argument we made last year on behalf of the European Union was that we were anxious that a decision be made to lift the embargo but that it would not result in an increase in the exports of arms to China. This is consistent with the Chinese Government's assertion that its concern to see the embargo lifted is driven by a desire to normalise relationships rather than one to pursue arms imports. That is its stated position, which has been widely repeated.

In December the European Council called for the early adoption of a revised EU code of conduct on arms exports. Work on this is progressing at a technical level. The Irish view is that we should not lift the embargo until that work is completed and accepted. That will happen this year. It cannot be finished until everyone comes on side. It now rests with the UK's position.

The current code with China has been operational for 17 years. It is a politically binding document, which contains criteria for assessing applicants for export licences for military equipment. These criteria include respect for human rights in the country of final destination and the preservation of regional peace security and stability. That ties in well to the Deputy's question on human rights.

This was the third opportunity in eight months on which I have had the opportunity to meet Premier Wen Jiabao. Interestingly, while the Chinese authorities do not like talking about human rights in the public domain or at press conferences, although Premier Zhu Rongji engaged with the media in a forthright manner in Dublin in 2001, privately they have no difficulty in doing so and accept the point that they must make huge progress. They accept that they are doing so under the EU-China human rights dialogue, of which there have been 17 rounds. They are engaging with the issues. I met the Chairman of the People's Congress — who will meet the Ceann Comhairle, the Cathaoirleach and a delegation later in the year — and he made it clear that they are anxious to engage at parliamentary level on these issues. They are making strides forward.

Nonetheless, the Chinese authorities make the point that theirs is a country of 1.3 billion people, who are part of a very different culture and tradition that includes many aspects which are totally unacceptable to people in Europe. However, the best way forward is to engage with them. I did not discuss Tibet with the authorities this time, although I did so during our last meeting because I had just met the Tibetan group here. They have started dialogue on Tibet, which is painfully slow but progress on the issue is encouraged because all parties raise it. However, the Chinese authorities do not fear this dialogue.

As Deputy Rabbitte will know, representatives of some countries get offended when one raises issues of human rights and do not want to talk about them. However, the Chinese representatives do not. During the EU Presidency, I got into a fierce tangle at a dinner with representatives of Burma-Myanmar, which turned into a shouting match with its foreign minister. I had no option but to get into the shouting match because I was carrying the EU brief. However, this is not the position with the Chinese authorities — they are prepared to engage. They are defensive of their system but they do not argue against the fact that they have to change. They want to do this in a controlled manner.

The last time I was in China, my visit coincided with that of Mary Robinson in her role as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was one of the early meetings in starting the engagement that has continued since then. It has been slow and there are still major difficulties, but there is and has been real engagement. The authorities are still engaged with activities which are not acceptable anywhere but engagement is the only way of moving them forward and they are prepared to do so — they have no fear about talking about the issues.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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I was interested to hear about the Taoiseach's visit to China and I am glad to hear it was so successful. I am sure he will join me in extending best wishes to the Chinese people on their new year. Was the environmental impact of Chinese economic development raised in the Taoiseach's discussions with Chinese officials, particularly the mayor of Shanghai? For example, ten years ago 5% of transport means was car dependent while by 2015 it will be 50%. Apart from the congestion, respiratory illnesses and air pollution this will cause, greenhouse gas emissions will rise sevenfold. Did the Taoiseach discuss the degree to which China will become more dependent on sourcing oil from outside countries? While China's oil production rises 2% a year, demand rises 7% a year. China has a fiftieth of the world's oil reserves.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy confine himself to the question?

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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It is a pertinent question to Ireland. Were Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch reports raised in discussions? What was the Taoiseach's role as the head of a neutral country in dangling the prospect of arms proliferation in China? Was he speaking on behalf of Ireland, the EU or the west in general? While he presented himself as the head of a neutral country, I cannot relate this to his role in discussing the lifting of the arms embargo. Were any companies on the trip involved in arms exports, even for dual use?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is an EU arms embargo. Every government and parliamentary delegation to China is asked about this as it is a big issue there. The first item raised at every press conference is the arms embargo. When the Chinese media visit Ireland, it also raises the issue. While it is seen by the Chinese as a great affront, we see it differently. I reiterated the Irish position on the matter, which is well-known to the Chinese authorities as they were dealing with us during the EU Presidency. Department of Foreign Affairs officials spent much time then dealing with this. The Chinese would like to see the embargo lifted. I explained this can only be done in the context of the European Council. The code of practice on arms exports must be completed first. They reluctantly appreciate that position as it will not happen otherwise.

Deputy Sargent is right on environmental issues. In every area of resources, China is outstripping demand. Pollution and industrial development is becoming a major issue there. One sees people on the streets wearing protective masks. While the push bike is still the most popular means of transport in Beijing and Shanghai, there is a growing car dependence. Shanghai seems to be getting a grip on this matter. Deputy Sargent will be aware of the city's new public transport system that uses a new type of rail. It is enormously helpful in reducing carbon emissions. Shanghai has large environmental projects, including the clearing of slums and replacing them with green spaces and trees. However, it is still a large problem.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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What about oil demand?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Large amounts of bituminous coal are still burnt in China. This is a major problem of which they are aware. How it is resolved is another matter. One can imagine the effect of burning bituminous coal in a city with a population of 20 million people. We all remember what it was like in Dublin city with a population of only 1 million people. The Chinese people, particularly university students, are conscious of this massive problem. Shanghai has introduced programmes for dealing with this. However, problems remain in other cities with populations of 10 million to 15 million people. Grappling with this is an enormous problem and in presentations to our delegation it was admitted as the largest challenge for the next 20 years.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Was the ongoing Chinese Government's occupation of Tibet raised by the delegation? If so, what specific points were raised on the matter? The Taoiseach has given the view that the Chinese Government is intent on improving its human rights record. Did the Taoiseach raise the ongoing persecution of activists and dissidents arising from the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre? We are all advised that these continuing persecutions are brutal.

In the Taoiseach's upcoming visit to the US, I encourage him to raise with President Bush the ongoing detention and torture of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Recently, it was determined as unlawful by the US courts.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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In my reply to Deputy Rabbitte, I explained that on this occasion I did not have discussions on Tibet. Before my last visit to China I met with Tibetan representatives in Ireland and made a formal presentation of their case when I was there. The dialogue which we asked for has now commenced. We strongly support the ingoing dialogue with the Chinese authorities and the representatives of the Dalai Lama. We will continue to urge China to fully engage with the process. That is what we fought for the last time and it is now happening.

Deputy Ó Caoláin is correct on the human rights issue in that there are still many restrictions of movement and continuing house arrests, including that of a former premier who died while I was on the visit. I have raised other cases with which we have had success, such as the two Falun Gong students from Trinity College, Dublin. While the Chinese authorities are slow to move on these issues, they are listening to what the world, particularly the EU, is saying. The formal arrangement of the EU-China dialogue on human rights allows individual cases to be raised. That is how the Government was able to help in the release of the two Trinity College, Dublin students several years ago.

I do not believe I will have to raise the issue of Guantanamo Bay, as President Bush strongly gives his views on it. For the last three years, the issue has been discussed by us. I have no doubt it will be raised again.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Condoleezza Rice expanded the American analysis of the axis of evil states to include Cuba, Myanmar, Belarus and Zimbabwe. During the EU Presidency, Ireland opened diplomatic relations with Myanmar yet human rights abuses continue there. The Burmese Government was asked to take steps to demobilise the recruitment of child soldiers from its national army. Last June a UN committee found that Burma was violating international law by recruiting and using children as soldiers, some as young as 11 years of age. According to Human Rights Watch, this is outrageous. Approximately 20% of its army of 350,000 soldiers is made up of children under the age of 18. The US Administration has noted Myanmar as part of the axis of evil. We formed diplomatic relations with a military junta there. What is the position in that regard?

On Sudan, a sealed file has been made available by the International Criminal Court containing the names of those responsible for crimes against humanity. The European Union supports strongly the prosecution of these people by the International Criminal Court but America does not. China and Russia do not want to see sanctions imposed against Sudan. Is it the Taoiseach's intention to raise this serious matter with the American President and the EU ambassador to the United States in view of the fact that genocide occurred in Rwanda? The international commission said that while genocide did not actually occur, individuals have committed acts with genocidal intent, including attacks on villages, the killing of civilians, rape, pillaging and forced displacement. This is a horrendous situation. I can understand the frustration of Bob Geldof in a different sense in regard to Africa. This is something the Taoiseach, as leader of this country, should take to a much higher level. He should bring the issue to the notice of the American Administration which, I hope, will prevent further acts of this nature and save many thousands of lives.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I note what Deputy Kenny said about the position in Sudan. While I am not up to date with what happened at Monday's meeting of the General Affairs Council, I will probably receive a report during the week. The Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, was dealing with the matter on Monday at the General Affairs Council and I will check what happened. I note what the Deputy said about trying to engage with the American Administration on the issue.

On Myanmar, the Deputy will be aware that we were prepared to open diplomatic relations last year in order to try to help in this regard. The Department of Foreign Affairs was strongly of the view that the only way to deal with the issue was to open diplomatic relations. However, this did not happen. The situation continues to be difficult. The leaders in that country are not listening to the international community. I referred earlier to the exchanges I had last year when I had to confront strongly the issue, but they retorted in a strong manner. They just do not listen. They take the view that what is happening is no one's business. The meeting took place last June and they continue to adopt this attitude. It is a very difficult position and I am not surprised that Condoleezza Rice has moved in this regard. While there are difficulties in other areas, it is an area on which the European Union and America can usefully engage. It and other issues will be discussed in the future. President Bush will meet with the European Council this month to address a number of these issues and to agree a common line on some of these matters, which perhaps did not happen during his first term of office. It will be useful to try to engage in these issues.

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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In the autumn I asked the Taoiseach to raise the treatment of workers in China as the regime rushed to replace its cruel Stalinist regime with rampant capitalism. There are more trade unionists in prison at various times in China than in any other country. Did he raise the issue of workers' rights, including the jailing of trade unionists, and what was the response? He said he met the Mayor of Shanghai. I cannot help feeling that the Taoiseach was "shanghaied" himself on the question of human rights in taking seriously the regime.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must confine himself to questions. I want to try to facilitate other Members.

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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How can he take the regime's policy on human rights seriously when Amnesty International reported that more than 200 activists from the Tiananmen movement of 1989 were still in prison last year?

Will the Taoiseach veto any re-opening of arms sales from EU countries to China, not just on human rights issues, but because it is monstrous that countries such as Germany and France, while pretending to champion human rights, should be up to their necks in racketeering in the arms industry?

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Has the Taoiseach spoken to President Bush since his re-election and will he travel to the White House on St. Patrick's Day? Are Irish Government officials making representations to the White House to receive Sinn Féin members on St. Patrick's Day?

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Can I ask the Taoiseach a question in regard to our China policy and Taiwan? Has there been a subtle hardening of our position in support of mainland China? I accept there has never been official recognition of Taiwan. However, unofficially and informally, we have supported its right to a peaceful existence and we have also opposed aggressive acts on the part of mainland China. I am worried that there has been a bit of a subtle shift and that, because of the prospect of doing more business in mainland China, we would cast our friends in Taiwan to the winds. I am fearful of such an approach.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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There is no change in our position in regard to Taiwan. We acknowledge, as we have done through the decades, China's position in regard to Taiwan. I reiterated Ireland's and the European Union's consistent "one China" policy. Equally, we maintain the EU's interest in maintaining links with Taiwan in non-political fields consistent with the "one China" policy. I stressed the importance of constructive dialogue between Beijing and Taipei in the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question.

In reply to Deputy Rabbitte, I have not spoken with President Bush but I sent him a message of congratulations following his re-election. Following the election, I spoke to his ambassador and to John Snow, Treasury Secretary, and conveyed to him my congratulations.

The arrangements for St. Patrick's Day are at a preliminary stage. I have said that I do not believe the politics of exclusion will serve any useful purpose. I would prefer people to confront issues and make known their views. President Bush, just as President Clinton before him, has been very helpful to the northern process. Both of them have been very forthright, which is helpful. I would prefer not to exclude people. However, I cannot be sure that President Bush will not take a different view.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Are Irish Government officials lobbying to have Sinn Féin members invited to and received at the White House?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I do not think the preparations have yet reached that stage. However, I indicated to the ambassador, with whom I was discussing other matters, that I would prefer not to get involved in the politics of exclusion. However, I am not sure if the White House will take a similar view. We must wait to see what happens.

In reply to Deputy Higgins, I have been asked by the ETUC and others about workers' rights and trade union issues. As I said earlier, an enormous number of issues are totally inconsistent with our views. The best way to deal with the issue is through EU dialogue, where we can put forward views and statements. This is not an acceptable regime and we must fight the case of these people. I have certainly done so.

It is not our position that the arms embargo should be just lifted. We have said that the code, which is now outdated, must be completed. The policy has to be consistent so that it is not a question of just lifting the embargo to have more arms produced. That is not what we are trying to do. We have called for the early resolution of the revised EU code of conduct on arms exports and work is progressing on that in the EU. The current version of the code is a politically binding document which sets out the criteria for applications for export licences for military equipment. It applies the necessary controls and sanctions which include respect for human rights in a country of final destination. It is a good way to try to continue to improve a difficult situation and to improve on respect for human rights in these areas.