Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations that have been made over the past month to the Chinese Government in relation to ongoing repression in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12779/08]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the present deeply worrying crisis in Tibet; the Government's position on the matter; the action and assistance Ireland proposes to provide in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12922/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 248 together.

I am deeply concerned by the situation in Tibet, and deplore the loss of life there and in other regions of China. I continue to keep colleagues in Government fully informed on developments in Tibet and EU discussions of the situation there.

On my instructions, senior officials of my Department have since 17 March been in regular contact with the Chinese Embassy in Dublin to seek information about developments in Tibet and to convey my deep concern at the situation there. In my statement of 31 March I called for maximum restraint on all sides and for the release of imprisoned peaceful protesters. I also strongly urged the Chinese authorities to allow free access by the media and independent observers, to ensure that the facts of what has occurred could be established.

The EU Presidency, on behalf of the Member States, also made clear its concerns in a statement on 17 March. Contacts with the Chinese authorities on this issue have continued in Brussels and Beijing.

I met with representatives of the Tibet Support Group-Ireland on 1 April and discussed with them their concerns regarding the current situation, and how these might be addressed. The Group expressed their appreciation of the position the Government is taking on Tibet.

It remains my view that the only way to ensure a peaceful and sustainable solution to the situation in Tibet is through substantial and accelerated dialogue between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama. This should seek to ensure the preservation of the unique Tibetan culture and identity, as well as addressing Chinese concerns regarding their territorial integrity. I would note, in this regard, Chinese assurances that any subject can be addressed if independence is not an issue, and the Dalai Lama's public commitment to non-violence and his repeated assurance that he seeks autonomy for Tibet within China, not independence. This emphasis on dialogue was also clear at the substantial discussion of the situation in Tibet during the recent informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brdo, Slovenia, on 29 March.

Finally, I would note that our concerns regarding human rights in China are raised on a regular basis in bilateral contacts with the Government of China. In these discussions, we continue to raise our concerns about the practice of religion, freedom of expression and the preservation of cultural identity in Tibet.