Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, and it is located right beside the British embassy. We should immediately open an office in Tehran. When I was a Minister of State, I sold beef from Ireland to Iran. We brought our veterinary people over and we had a tremendous relationship. Human rights are vital and the situation in China is very serious. There is no doubt that we should raise this matter at every opportunity at that level.

We have an opportunity now of going into Taiwan, establishing an office and expanding our trade right into China. Taiwan would give us a great foothold in the region. The expansion of embassies is a marvellous investment because trade is created. When I was in charge of An Bord Tráchtála, the embassy was our base to which representatives were invited. When the President of Ireland goes on a trade mission, there is always a marvellous response to trade. I agree with Senator McDowell that we should be realistic. Deputy John McGuiness is chairman of the Friends of Taiwan in Leinster House and our Whip is a close friend of the Taiwanese people.