Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 377: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the lack of progress in talks between the Dalai Lama and the Government of China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35889/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have on many previous occasions expressed concern at the lack of results of the dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Government of China. It is deeply regrettable that reports following the ninth round of dialogue, held in January 2010, indicate that very little progress has been made in achieving a resolution to the situation in Tibet. As stated on many previous occasions in this House, I am of the view that dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet over issues of culture, language, religion and identity. While the Irish Government firmly adheres to the 'One China' policy, I believe that dialogue on Tibet is as much in the interests of China, its stability and its harmony as it is of Tibetans. We avail of every appropriate opportunity to convey these views to the Chinese authorities, along with our concerns about aspects of the situation in Tibet.

After the collapse of the previous talks in November 2008 following the rejection of a proposal for greater autonomy by the Chinese authorities, the two sides agreed to hold a ninth round of dialogue. However, in a statement issued following the January 2010 meeting, Vice Minister Zhu Weiqun of the Chinese United Front Work Department expressed sentiments similar to those he had voiced after the previous round. In essence, he contended that the Dalai Lama's call for greater autonomy for his homeland was in reality a call for Tibetan independence; that it represented a threat to China's territorial integrity and national dignity; that the Chinese Government sees no room for negotiation or concession on this issue; and that the Dalai Lama must 'redress his mistakes' and renounce his calls for 'independence'.

For their part, the Tibetan envoys, while insisting that the 'baseless accusations' against the Dalai Lama must cease, have reiterated the Tibetan commitment to continuing the dialogue with the Chinese Government. They have at the same time argued that this dialogue must begin to show some results. I very much wish to see a continuation of this dialogue which represents the best hope of securing a lasting resolution acceptable to both parties.