Written answers
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Human Rights Issues
3:00 pm
Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Question 64: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to meet with the Dalai Lama on his upcoming visit here in April; his views on the recognition of Tibet as an independent state; his further views regarding human rights violations in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6822/11]
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Dalai Lama is visiting Ireland during April at the invitation of a number of Non-governmental Organisations.
The Government is committed to the One-China policy which acknowledges Tibet as part of China. We believe that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet over issues of culture, language, religion and identity. It is important for the long-term peace and stability of the region that the two sides come to an agreement on the future of Tibet.
The Government continues to convey its concerns about the situation in Tibet and related human rights issues directly to the Chinese authorities through regular contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and in the course of bilateral political consultations. The issues of Tibet and human rights are also regularly raised by the European Union with China including at the annual EU-China Summit and during the separate EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.
I have no plans to meet with the Dalai Lama during his visit.
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