Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will issue a circular to Irish athletes attending the Olympic Games to advise them of the human rights situation in the People's Republic of China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12604/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, and our Embassy in Beijing, are in close touch with the Olympic Council of Ireland in regard to preparations for the Olympic Games. The Department would be happy to respond to any queries the Council, or individual athletes, may have about human rights in China, or indeed other concerns, including the issue of Tibet.

The Government concerns in regard to human rights in China are raised on a regular basis in bilateral contacts with the Government of China. Discussions in this regard take place at official level in Dublin and in Beijing. We continue to stress the value that Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. We have also raised our concerns about the practice of religion and the preservation of cultural identity in Tibet. In particular, we have stressed the importance of the Chinese authorities making every effort possible to facilitate freedom of movement and expression, including the right to peaceful protest, in the run-up to — and during — the Olympic Games in Beijing later this year.