Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

888. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will report on her meeting with the Premier of China, Mr Premier Li Keqiang, and other Chinese officials, on 17 May 2015. [20479/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of the Irish Government delegation, I participated in the bilateral meeting with the Chinese Ministerial delegation at Ashford Castle. In addition to myself, the Irish delegation consisted of An Taoiseach, Ministers Noonan, Flanagan, Bruton and Coveney and Ministers of State Murphy and Hayes.

Among the topics discussed were developments in the Irish economy/eurozone and in the Chinese economy and scope for increasing trade links. In addition we also discussed global issues including EU-China relations, the post-2015 development agenda (and the role that Ireland is playing in this context), UN issues, human rights and climate change.

Prospects for advancing Chinese investment in Ireland were discussed – a major "Invest in Ireland" conference is planned in Beijing later this year. We also agreed to see how connectivity between Ireland and China can be improved and to further strengthen people-to-people links, including educational exchanges.