Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

A number of specific questions were asked. So everyone can have it, I will send an e-mail about the Irish position. We will be able to find an acceptable compromise.

In April I will visit China, which is an important market for us. My counterpart has visited Ireland and we signed a memorandum of understanding on new trade and investment opportunities, which are progressing. Our relationship with China is very much about that, namely, relationships, and personalities trusting one another. It is a different type of economy and political structure on which to make an impact than, for example, the US. Great efforts are under way in this regard. The Deputy Premier of China, an influential and powerful politician, will visit Ireland from 18-20 February. Ireland is the only European country that he will visit. He will travel from the US to Ireland to Turkey before returning home. It will be a significant visit. He is likely to be the next Premier of China, arguably the most powerful politician in the world.