Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

One of the older members around here is going into storage today. I want to compliment the people from the Office of Public Works, the Natural History Museum and the National Museum of Ireland who are removing the skeleton of an ancient walrus. I just saw this going on outside. In fact, they had to open up and expand the window space to remove this walrus by way of a window because of its size. It struck me that at least one former Taoiseach would approve because he was reputed to have invited a member of his party on one occasion to exit by the window.

More seriously, I support what Senator Jerry Buttimer and others have said in regard to Taiwan and its membership of the World Health Organization. China continues to be a big issue to which we must pay attention. Colleagues will know that a motion introduced by myself and seconded by many Members passed unanimously in this House a few weeks ago. That motion condemned China's treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority and it called on the Irish Government to use "all available trade and diplomatic channels" to put pressure on China. The motion was not opposed by the Government. Although we know the Government is concerned about undermining our trade relations with China, it cannot be a nod to human rights in Geneva and a wink to Beijing on trade. This motion having unanimously passed the Seanad, it is timely to ask that the Government come to the House and, having reflected on the unanimous vote of the Seanad, tell us what it is going to do about the issue.