Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the present China-Tibet position; his further views on reported offers of discussions between Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama instigated by China; his view on the possibility of progress in this regard; and if the European Union has offered itself as a mediator in an effort to help. [38375/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the fact that the eighth round of dialogue between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama has commenced in Beijing.

As I have stated previously in the House, the pace and substance of the dialogue have been unsatisfactory to date. Nevertheless, I believe that dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives remains the most effective way to achieve the protection of Tibetan culture, identity, religion and human rights, and some measure of autonomy for Tibet within China. Our views have been communicated to the Chinese government on a number of occasions both in Dublin and Beijing.

I hope that this latest round of dialogue will help facilitate progress towards the achievement of these goals. The European Union has not been invited to act as a mediator in the dialogue process.