Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

In response to Senator Bacik's point, relations between Ireland and China, which have been enhanced in recent times, have huge potential for Ireland. During the years I have had the opportunity to visit China and see the improvements and progress made and the openness that is developing in its society. Many might not be aware that Ireland enjoys iconic status in the diplomatic folklore of China because it was Frank Aiken, as Minister for External Affairs, who proposed the entry of China into the United Nations. At the same time, however, human rights must be sacrosanct. I wrote to the Taoiseach before he travelled to China and outlined a number of human rights issues which I asked him to raise with his hosts. I hope that was done.

I also raised an issue nearer home yesterday, the position of Marion Price who is currently being held, virtually in internment. She is isolated in the medical unit of a Northern Ireland prison. Although she is very sick, she is handcuffed to a wheelchair. That is not the generosity of spirit we associate with, and support, in the Good Friday Agreement. It is incumbent on us, in the same way as we raise issues relating to China and elsewhere, to raise such issues at home also. If we use human rights in bartering for political expediency or progress, we make a huge mistake. It is only when we do not do so that we make a contribution to world peace. I again call for the release of Marion Price. It could, however, be a matter of too little, too late, which will not help Ireland. She needs urgent medical attention and her family to comfort her. She endured enough trauma during her hunger strike when she was force-fed for 200 days in a British prison. What do we mean by human rights? Let her go home now.