Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an invitation has been issued to the Government to attend the opening or closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in August 2008; if so, if they will not attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14411/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has been invited by the Olympic Council of Ireland to be represented at the opening or closing ceremonies of Beijing Olympic Games. At this stage no decisions have been taken regarding Government attendance at the Games.

In relation to the issue of Tibet, and more general concerns about human rights and fundamental freedoms in China, I continue to believe that the most effective way to convey our views and concerns, and those of the Irish people, to the Chinese authorities is through frank dialogue with them. The Government will continue to raise its concerns regarding Tibet and human rights issues more generally through such dialogue, as will the EU.