Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is significant, given the time of year, that Ireland is once again showing it is prepared to spread its prosperity to more disadvantaged areas of the world. Our decision to become part of the Asian Development Bank raises political issues regarding the various programmes in which it has been involved.

Ireland has taken a strong position on the anti-democratic nature of Burma, which the military junta refers to as Myanmar. I hope that Ireland's participation will give it a stronger voice to ensure democracy returns to that unfortunate country. It seems in light of recent developments that the military junta wishes to tighten its grip on power, despite indulging in a sham form of democracy to offset criticism from the international community. At this time of year we should remember that Aung San Suu Kyi, who was given the freedom of this city and has received numerous international awards for her courageous humanitarian work, has in recent weeks been put under extended house arrest, which is a gross violation of human rights. I hope the Minister will tell the House what, if any, influence Ireland can bring to bear as a result of its membership of the Asian Development Bank, because we will be putting Irish taxpayers' money into this region.

I wish to deal with a hot potato arising from our move to the forefront of Asian affairs. While Ireland fully supports the one China policy I have often said that the island of Taiwan, despite being written off the political map, will not go away. It is the tenth largest economy in the world and its people live in a fully-fledged democracy while mainland China is far from being a democracy and seems to lack the stomach for the type of democracy we enjoy, despite the best efforts of the international community. Its violation of human rights is widely known. The Minister, the Taoiseach and the Government have taken every opportunity to tell the Chinese leadership that its human rights record is unacceptable. I do not raise the matter to change the status of Taiwan but it is ironic that joining the development bank will open up trade opportunities for Irish companies. Taiwan is not recognised by the international community which is a bizarre state of affairs.

If recent reports are to be believed Hong Kong may find itself a fully-fledged separate democracy within the Chinese family in the next ten to 15 years. I hope this will lead to a rapprochement between Taiwan and mainland China. With our membership of the development bank the Government has a role to play.

I also endorse what my colleague Senator Kitt said about gender in governance. The emphasis on gender outlined by the Minister of State is to be welcomed, as is the Government's proactive approach. This is particulary relevant in Asia where most of the countries we will be assisting are overwhelmingly Muslim where, despite protests to the contrary, the status of women is at best questionable, particularly for those who wish to enter the political arena. At best it is frowned upon and at worst forbidden. I hope the Government continues to be proactive and welcomes the fact that such a policy is included in the overall thrust of our membership and engagement.

Senator Kitt is also correct about governance. We have discussed governance as it applies to Africa, specifically to Uganda where a large amount of money from the ODA fund goes directly to the Ugandan exchequer. The Government stated that its engagement with Ugandan Government was acceptable and I take it at its word but, like Taiwan, John O'Shea will not go away. He regularly supplies Members of both Houses with information about corrupt practices which require scrutiny.

I commend the Bill and look forward to the Minister's response.