Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 44: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised the issue of the plight of the people of Tibet with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping during his recent visit. [10761/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As I have said recently, the Government has closely followed the reported violent events in areas of Tibetan population in Chinese provinces neighbouring Tibet and is concerned about the situation. Since 1971, when Ireland voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, this country has recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. Ireland together with our EU partners adheres to the One China Policy and recognises Tibet as an integral part of China.

Through the formal framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion, and to urge China to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation. The issue of Tibet is also raised by the European Union as part of regular political dialogue as well as during specific Human Rights Dialogue with China. Efforts are continuing in Beijing to engage at the EU level with the Chinese Government on the issue of Tibet.

Ireland together with our EU partners believes 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 and to reach a solution that respects Tibetan 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. To this end, we continue to encourage an early resumption of dialogue by the parties.

Human rights are a constant and important issue of dialogue and discussion with the Chinese Authorities, at both national and European Union level. In the course of the recent visit of the H.E. Xi Jinping theVice-President of the People's Republic of China, the issue of human rights was raised at a variety of levels, including directly between the Taoiseach, myself and Vice President Xi.