I note that, unlike the Taoiseach, it is likely he will raise human rights issues when he meets the Chinese Vice President, Mr. Xi Jinping, this weekend. However, I regret to learn that there is no provision for questions from the media to the Chinese leader. This man will become President of the People's Republic of China next year and I regret to learn that the Taoiseach has no intention of raising such issues. At a time when we are economically vulnerable, it would be easy to give in to arguments that we should pipe down and simply take whatever economic friendship is being offered. However, Ireland must not lose its soul when it comes to being a courageous voice for human rights and human dignity. The Tánaiste should take a leaf from the book of the actor, Christian Bale, who recently tried to visit Chen Guangcheng, a man who is blind but who sees more than most. He helped to expose the practice of forced abortion in parts of rural China and for his courage was imprisoned. Moreover, he and his wife were reportedly beaten recently when human rights groups released videos showing intense police surveillance of his home. This is part of the daily reality for many in China. It is important, therefore, that Ireland as a small country maintain its voice.