Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress at European Union level he has made with regard to ending persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China; the approaches which have been made to the Chinese authorities with a view to ending this persecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13591/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As stated previously on many occasions, the Government continues to take concerns about human rights in China very seriously. We have an ongoing dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both national and European Union level. Human rights issues are on the agenda of all bilateral meetings with senior Chinese leaders.

The EU-China human rights dialogue, established in 1996, is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns about individual human rights cases, including those of Falun Dafa practitioners, and more general issues, such as the protection of freedom of religion and expression, which have a particular impact on practitioners of Falun Dafa. The 19th round of the EU-China human rights dialogue took place in Luxembourg on 24 and 25 February 2005. At that meeting, the EU raised strong concerns about the persecution of persons on grounds of their peaceful expression of belief, in particular members of Falun Dafa. The EU also raised the cases of a number of Falun Dafa practitioners with the Chinese representatives.

During his recent visit to China, from 17 to 22 January 2005, the Taoiseach discussed a wide range of issues, including human rights, with the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. The Taoiseach stressed the importance that the Government attaches to China's continued progress in this area. The possibility of developing bilateral co-operation on furthering human rights norms was raised with the Chinese side.

The Taoiseach also had a useful exchange with the Chairman of the National People's Congress, Mr. Wu Bangguo, on the Chinese Government's efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law. Chairman Wu looked forward to Irish and Chinese parliamentarians continuing this dialogue at various meetings scheduled to take place during the course of this year. Discussions on human rights issues also took place at official level during the course of the Taoiseach's visit. Together with our EU partners, the Government will continue to encourage the Chinese authorities to respect fully the human rights of all citizens.