Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I heard what the Acting Leader about having the matter debated. I do not want, in any sense, to diminish the capacity of people to contribute on the Uighur subject. If the acting Leader is signalling that time will be made available in Government time to consider this report in the new year, I would be prepared not to put it to a vote today and divide the House.

I was just looking at the particular paragraph of No. 91, motion 2, and at the other motion on Mr. Richard O'Halloran. It is nine months since I stood up in this House and asked on behalf of the movers of that motion for the Government to do something for this man. He is three years away from his wife and children. He is being imprisoned by a vicious regime in China in respect of a transaction that took place before he even joined the company, which it is complaining about. Nothing has been done to get him back but it is about time it was. I am sorry; I said nothing has been done but I know the Department of Foreign Affairs has been moving behind the scenes.

We have to stand up to this wolf diplomacy. We have to say to the Chinese, "Enough." An Irish person cannot be interned in Beijing for three years because China has some dispute with his employer. It is enough. We have taken too much. I will withdraw the amendment on the understanding that the acting Leader will provide time to read this report. As I said, I gave it to every Member of the House today, and it is a shocking, disgusting read. I do not expect anyone to read it before Christmas, but please read it in the days after Christmas and come back to this House and give Beijing the torpedo it deserves from an Irish democratic assembly.

I withdraw the amendment on that basis.