Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State. Many of us will have travelled to Asia and seen at first hand the dignity and serenity of Buddhist monks but when they become the enemy within, as they have become in Burma, we know there is something seriously wrong with that state. These peaceful people are protesting for their dignity and it is up to us to show solidarity with them in their fight. Burmese campaigner and political prisoner, Aung San Suu Kyi, summed up the spirit of the monks when she stated: "The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear". The BBC news agency recently reported that 4,000 monks had disappeared from Burma. Internet access has ceased. This reminds me of a situation 20 years ago when communications from Rangoon ceased. It reminds me also of the protests in Tiananmen Square when news reports ceased. It is impossible in such situations to know the exact number who have been imprisoned, killed or injured but we know something very serious is happening.

The motion must be a statement to the Irish people to support the campaign against the junta and defend the actions of the oppressed people in Burma. It must also be a statement to the European Union and the nations of the world. However, it is all very well passing motions; we must see action taken on foot of them. I want action taken by the House and the Government.

Unlike some of my colleagues, I tend to agree with the Burmese campaign groups which state a carrot can be used, as well as a stick. Since 1988 many investments have been made in the country. The major trading partners are Asian countries, with Japan purchasing timber in exchange for transport goods and commodities and China investing heavily in the country.

Some Senators have mentioned a boycott of the Olympic games. I remember the boycott of the Moscow Olympics in 1980 over the invasion of Afghanistan. The Russians blithely ignored the protests but, having been in China several times, I know the Chinese are less likely to want to lose face on this issue. There is a window of opportunity because the threat exists that the Olympics may be boycotted. I would not like to see it happen but we should use the threat to make the Chinese Government take action in Burma.

We should take action in other countries that are closer to home. Natural gas accounts for 90% of fossil fuel production in Burma and the French oil company Total has invested heavily in the country. The French Government should introduce economic sanctions. In Ireland we could identify companies trading with Burma to put pressure on them to cease trading.

Wholesale change is vital in Burma but it will not come easily; it will certainly not come from motions passed in western Parliaments. We must encourage them to change, however, because the outside world can help a new Burma develop from the deplorable regime currently in power. We can do this by offering additional investment to a new Burma, by providing debt relief and increasing aid packages. That should only be done, however, if change comes. It must be contingent on a new Burma emerging from the present system. We have seen repressive regimes change in the past, South Africa being a notable example. By sending a clear message to the regime hopefully we will see change in Burma.