Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

5. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the Asia-Europe meeting, in Milan, Italy, in October 2014. [44903/14]

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

6. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on meetings he had with other Heads of State and Government during the recent Asia-Europe meeting summit. [44904/14]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

7. To ask the Taoiseach his views on the Asia-Europe meeting he attended in October 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46769/14]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

8. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his participation in the tenth Asia-Europe meeting, in Milan, Italy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2148/15]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

9. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the tenth Asia-Europe summit meeting in Milan, Italy, in October 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7792/15]

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

With regard to Questions Nos. 5 and 6, the Deputy is not present and he sends his apologies.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, together.

The tenth ASEM summit of Heads of State and Government took place in Milan on 16 and 17 October 2014, on the theme of Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security. The format of the summit involved two plenary sessions and a discussion session. I attended and contributed to the first plenary, Promoting Financial and Economic Cooperation through Enhanced Europe-Asia Connectivity. The Minister of State for European Affairs and Data Protection, Deputy Dara Murphy, attended the second plenary and the less formal discussion on my behalf. In total, the Heads of State and Government, or their high-level representatives, of 51 Asian and European countries attended, together with then President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, the then President of the European Commission, José Barroso, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Le Luong Minh. The summit was hosted by the Italian Prime Minister and chaired by Mr Van Rompuy.

The outcome document of the summit is the Chair’s statement which I have circulated with my reply. The main topics covered in that statement include promoting financial and economic co-operation through enhanced Europe-Asia connectivity; Europe-Asia partnership in addressing global matters in an inter-connected world; promoting co-operation on employment, education, social and cultural issues; regional and international issues; and the future direction of ASEM.

On the margins of the ASEM conference I met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr. Tấn Dũng. We discussed the growing links between Ireland and Vietnam and the possibility of forging closer links in the future, including the restarting of the inter-country adoption process; bilateral trade ties, particularly with regard to meat exports; and Ireland’s development aid programme to Vietnam. I also briefed the Prime Minister on Ireland’s economic recovery. I had a brief meeting with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Loong. We spoke about the important role played by Brother Joe McNally in cultural and education policy in Singapore, as well as economic issues, including investment and growth. I also had the opportunity for an informal conversation with the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe, during which I recalled our very productive meetings in 2013 and welcomed the imminent re-entry of Irish beef to the Japanese market.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

These questions were tabled approximately five months ago. The Ceann Comhairle noted the long time lag between tabling and discussing them. However, the Taoiseach has reduced by half the number of times he must deal with questions. Before his time, questions to the Taoiseach were taken twice a week. Whenever the Taoiseach misses a session because he happens to be missing on a Tuesday, as is sometimes understandable, the session is never rescheduled.

Fundamentally, the Taoiseach will agree that while ASEM summits do not achieve much directly, they provide an opportunity to meet leaders of many other countries. I presume many of the points of significance touched on at the summit will also have been touched on by the recent European Council meeting, on which we will have statements later. The ASEM process is becoming increasingly in-depth as a result of the sectoral sessions for Ministers. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether human rights were discussed at the summit and, if so, what was the consensus on same?

The issue of trade was discussed and was among the principal topics at a number of ministerial meetings. The push for a new trade agreement through the Doha Round appears to be gaining some momentum. Will the Taoiseach comment on that issue? What sense did he get from the summit that there may be a realistic possibility of the Doha Round gaining increased momentum? Where does Ireland stand on such trade negotiations and what are our aspirations in that regard?

There is a growing concern in society about the lack of debate on trade talks at the international and global level. There is a sense that they are being conducted in a manner that is detached from citizens. The proposed transatlantic trade and investment partnership, TTIP, between the United States and Europe is one example. Many of the issues being raised may not be fair or accurate in terms of what will or will not happen, particularly regarding the capacity of corporations to have recourse to international law that would trump the law of national states and food issues such as hormones in beef, genetically modified products and so forth. This detachment needs to be removed because there is little connection between much of what is taking place in global and European institutions and the daily lives of citizens in this country and other countries. This is a major issue and I ask the Taoiseach to indicate where he stands on it in the context of the discussions on trade at the ASEM Summit.

Was climate change discussed at the summit? One of the great consequences of the dramatic expansion of Asian economies, particularly the Chinese economy, has been a consequent impact on the quality of life in Asian countries arising from climate change and pollution, including air pollution. I read an article in the International Herald Tribuneabout an excellent documentary made by a Chinese citizen on the impact of economic expansion on the quality of life in China. Initially, the department of the environment in China welcomed the video and praised its author. My linguistic skills do not extend to pronouncing his name. In any case, the video was a significant event in China, one which is being viewed as part of a China spring in terms of environmental awareness and policy. More than 200 million people accessed the video online, which is an extraordinary number. According to the article, the Chinese authorities then decided to suppress the video. Some people believe there is a struggle under way within the Chinese Communist Party, with environmentalists in the department of the environment and other departments seeking to shift the debate from economic growth to one which considers other issues.

Economic growth affects the rest of the world in terms of the climate change agenda and quality of life issues. Did the summit discuss pollution and the relationship between economic growth and climate change? On a related human rights issue, is it not rather disturbing that, despite the video to which I referred being accessed by more than 200 million people, an instruction was issued to all social media and websites to cease facilitating people wishing to view it? This video clearly shows the impact the rapidly expanding economy is having in terms of quality of life, pollution and environmental issues. This impact is applicable across Asia and was also applicable in the West. We must also take our share of responsibility in terms of the earlier phases of economic growth and development in the West and their consequential impact on the environment.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin raises a number of interesting questions. I agree that answering questions about a meeting that took place last October is not very good, which is the reason I indicated to the party leaders opposite that I would be happy to oblige them if they were to select a Priority Question during questions. If they want an issue dealt with more quickly, perhaps they will discuss it with the Ceann Comhairle.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The system is highly restrictive, including in respect of the questions we can ask the Taoiseach.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Human rights were a major topic of discussion at the summit. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protect and promote human rights in accordance with the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights treaties and instruments. They also reaffirmed their willingness to promote further co-operation in ASEM in the field of human rights, including through best practice and sharing experiences.

A discussion took place on the important role of governments, international and national human rights institutions and regional organisations in promoting and protecting human rights. Leaders underlined their commitment to strengthen collaboration to advance the promotion and protection of human rights through the Human Rights Council, particularly the universal periodic review and its special procedures and mechanisms.

Leaders condemned all forms of incitement to hatred and intolerance, including xenophobia, religious hatred and violence. They stressed the importance of respect and understanding for cultural and religious diversity and promoting tolerance, respect, dialogue and co-operation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples. As Deputy Martin is only too well aware, the events taking place in a number of countries do not reflect any of these aspirations.

In respect of trade, from Ireland's point of view, there has been a great deal of activity to establish and strengthen bilateral connections between Ireland and Asia, including the strengthening of trade and investment links. For example, in 2014, there were 12 ministerial visits to Asia and a State visit to China. These visits show our strong commitment to building our links with Asia and many of them had highly beneficial consequences. For example, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, has done great work in enhancing agrifood exports to Asia. This has had many positive results, notably the lifting of the ban on beef exports to Japan and the recent lifting of the ban on sales of Irish beef in China. Food and drink exports to China grew by an estimated 40% last year alone, which gives a clear indication of the considerable potential of the Irish agrifood sector in the Asian region. Last week, I had discussions with a number of companies in the United States which are interested in working with Irish companies to increase exports to Asia.

Our educational links with Asia are becoming stronger every year. Many of our third level institutions are developing partnerships and signing bilateral agreements with a variety of institutions in Asia. More than 150 such bilateral arrangements are in place with Chinese institutions alone. During a visit to China last year, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, secured an agreement that Ireland would be recognised as a country of honour at the Chinese educational expo in October 2016. This provides an opportunity to increase awareness of Irish higher education institutions among the Chinese public. As Deputies are aware, an increasing number of students are travelling to China for full semesters at third level to immerse themselves in what is a difficult language for Europeans to learn and understand.

However, our links are not limited to China alone, as two education missions took place to India last year and memorandums of understanding with the Republic of Korea and Japan were signed in 2013 by the then Minister for Education and Skills.

The Government has established a growing investment relationship with Asia. A key objective of IDA Ireland's Horizon 2020 strategy is to win 20% of new name business in growth markets by 2020. Good progress is being made in meeting this target, with a figure of 18% having being achieved by the end of 2013. Asia plays an important part in meeting that target. Japan is a significant source of foreign direct investment in Ireland. There are now more than 50 Japanese companies with a presence here, of which 22 are IDA Ireland-assisted, making Japan the sixth largest contributor to foreign direct investment, with more than 2,500 people employed in assisted companies. The China-Ireland technology growth capital fund that was launched in January 2014 will target investment in both growing Irish technology companies with strategic ambitions to access the Chinese market and growing Chinese technology companies with strategic ambitions to access the European market through Ireland. Moreover, an increasing number of Indian pharmaceutical firms are developing a presence here, while a number of Indian information and communications technology, ICT, firms also are setting up operations in Ireland and now employ more than 3,000 people. In the other direction, companies such as Kerry Group, CRH and PM Group have a strong presence in India. For example, Kerry Group is an important player in the food ingredients sector which supplies Subway, McDonald's and other catering related companies.

Deputy Micheál Martin mentioned the international trade agreements, of which the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, TTIP, is one going the other way. I had discussions on it in America last week and, clearly, it is in Ireland's interests, more than any other European country, to see a conclusion being reached on that agreement. While there are difficulties, I hope it will be substantially completed by the end of the year because it is important that it happen during the lifetime of this Administration or there may be a danger that it might not happen at all. As for what I envisage happening in respect of Asia not waiting for international agreements with the European Union, I note that China is signing up to agreements with a number of individual countries. We had a visit from the then Vice President Xi Jinping and I believe the Ceann Comhairle visited China at a different time. However, there appears to be substantial growing interest in doing business with China from here, as well as there being obvious Chinese interest in Ireland. These are matters that should be pursued.

For the information of the Deputy, the statement that will accompany this reply contains 45 points of agreement or, if one likes, the conclusions of the meeting. Point No. 19 refers to how leaders concurred on the seriousness of the challenge posed by climate change. They agreed that further and immediate ambitious action was required on the part of all parties with a view to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to meet the collective objective of limiting the increase in global average temperature to below 2° Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In that context, leaders supported and called for the success of the 2014 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, of parties in Lima, as well as the 2015 conference to be held later this year in Paris. Leaders resolved to work towards the adoption at the 21st conference of a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the UNFCCC applicable to all parties. They also underscored their commitment to work together to address the issues of climate change and environmental protection in accordance with all of the principles and provisions of the United Nations on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. There is a range of points that I will circulate with the reply for the information of Members.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is good that there was a discussion about human rights protections. As the Taoiseach is aware, 60% of the world's population live in Asia where there is massive poverty, inequality, child exploitation, as well as sweatshop wages and appalling conditions for millions of workers. I am interested to ascertain what discussions were held on tackling these issues and what the outcomes were. The Taoiseach has also stated there was a discussion on the impact of Asian economies on global warming. Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are among Asian countries that are facing extreme risks from climate change. While it can be seen on our own small island, it is a huge issue in that region. The Taoiseach will recall that last month massive devastation was caused on the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu by one of the most powerful storms ever in that region. I understand the Asian and Pacific Ocean states are planning a major climate change conference to be held in Paris in November or December and that one issue on the clár will be a globally funded insurance pool to aid in the recovery from climate-related weather disasters. Was this issue raised at the Milan conference and what is the Government's attitude to it? Would it look favourably on such a fund to help the region?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The answer to the question is there was quite a deal of discussion about the requirement to promote and protect human rights in accordance with the United Nations Charter. A willingness was expressed by everybody to promote further co-operation through the Asia-Europe Meeting, ASEM, in the field of human rights, including, as I stated, through what is best practice in the sharing of experiences. There was a welcome for the convening of the 13th informal ASEM seminar on human rights which was held in Copenhagen in 2013 and which focused on environmental and human rights. The 14th informal ASEM seminar on human rights took place in Vietnam in November and the 15th seminar will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, in October. The leaders present at the meeting underlined the important roles of governments and international and national human rights institutions in promoting and protecting human rights. They underlined their commitment to strengthen collaboration to advance the promotion and protection of human rights through the Human Rights Council. They emphasised that members of vulnerable groups needed particular attention to enjoy their full human rights. They reaffirmed the important roles of parliaments, civil society and the media in strengthening the foundations of democracy, thereby contributing to the sound basis for sustainable development. In that sense, there was a welcome for the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership held in Rome in October 2014 and the tenth Asia-Europe People's Forum which was held in Milan. As I stated, there was total condemnation of all issues from xenophobia to religious hatred and violence.

The leaders reiterated their determination to strengthen preparedness and the response to disasters and to build resilience, including through awareness programmes, early warning systems, search, rescue and relief operations and applying innovation, science and technology, as well as reducing vulnerability to and losses caused by disasters. They also stressed the need to build the resilience of the most vulnerable, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, as well as improving the capacities of local communities and societies to adapt to and manage the impact of disasters. There was a welcome for the two ASEM conferences on disaster risk reduction and management held in 2013 and 2014. There was a call for a deepening of co-operation between Europe and Asia on disaster risk reduction and management, while there was an invitation to all ASEM partners to work towards a strengthening of the renewed international framework for disaster risk reduction to be adopted at the third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to be held this month in Sendai, Japan. There was a call for greater collaboration in dealing with health care for children, women and the elderly, in particular.

In this context, there was a welcome for the ASEM workshop on public health emergency management, which was held in Beijing, China, at the end of 2014. In addition, an initiative is to be held in India next month on non-invasive diagnostic technologies for diabetes and its treatment as a lifestyle disease. All of these things were mentioned and reflected upon, and are included in the statement I circulated to Members. In the not too distant future, they might get a chance to follow through on some of these again.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am afraid that the time has expired. I thought I might get Deputy Keating in but unfortunately the time caught up with us.

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you.