Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Any relationship with a country as large as China has many strands and our relationship covers political, economic, cultural and people-to-people links. We have never held back from criticising human rights abuses where they have occurred. It is also the case that we seek to ensure Ireland's values and interests are promoted and protected within the bilateral and EU relationships with China. This will continue to be the approach of the Government.

The visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to China in May 2021 was one of the few in-person high-level political visits from an EU member state to China in the past three years. The Minister raised the issues I outlined in my initial reply. From the recent visit of Chancellor Scholz to China and President Biden's meeting with President Xi this week, we saw that it is possible to discuss China's global responsibilities in the context of dialogue. Alongside this, we will also continue to work with our partners in the EU to reinforce our economic security and resilience, reduce vulnerabilities and protect the rules-based international order.

Regarding what has been described as an overseas police station, we appreciate that there has been considerable interest in this so-called police station. When the issue arose immediate cross-government action was taken to clarify and resolve the matter. On 5 October, the Department of Foreign Affairs informed the Embassy of China that the office on Capel Street should close and cease operations. The Chinese Embassy has stated that the activities of the office have ceased. We are aware of the report of Safeguard Defenders highlighting human rights concerns related to the operation of these offices in other countries. The Government upholds human rights standards for all residents in Ireland and any evidence of violation will be considered by the relevant authorities.