Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 143: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with the Irish Ambassador to China or the Chinese Embassy in Ireland in relation to a person (details supplied) who was allegedly detained in Weihai City in Shandong Province, China on 9 June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30524/12]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 144: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene in a case (details supplied). [30533/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.

Freedom of religious belief and expression is an issue which is discussed regularly with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral meetings and at European Union level. At these meetings, the Government re-iterates the great importance Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Individual cases are raised through the formal framework of the EU-China human rights dialogue, which was established in 1995. Through this process 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. Treatment of Falun Gong practitioners is also raised by the European Union as part of regular political dialogue as well as during specific human rights dialogue with China.

At the most recent session of the EU-China human rights dialogue on 29 May, the EU again raised the issue of restrictions on Falun Gong practitioners. At this meeting, the EU also presented the Chinese side with a list of individual cases of concern, including those of several detained Falun Gong practitioners. We have informed our Embassy in Beijing of the case of Ms Gu Qing-ai and Embassy officials are raising Ms Gu's case with the human rights group that co-ordinates the EU position on these issues with China. We will continue to monitor developments in this case.