Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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845. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on an incident in which a journalist has had to leave China due to pressure from the Chinese authorities (details supplied); if he has engaged with the Chinese ambassador on this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18587/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the case of the journalist in question. I do not wish to comment on individual cases but it is nevertheless disappointing and worrying that responsible and respected journalists feel that they cannot continue to do their work in mainland China.

I also note the statement by the EU Spokesperson on this case, from the 2nd April.

Ireland actively works to promote and protect the rights of journalists, media freedom and the right to freedom of expression, both online and offline, through our Embassies and Missions and in relevant international fora, notably the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.

Ireland recognises that the conditions for foreign media in China are deteriorating, and this has led to a number of foreign correspondents leaving that country. This is regrettable, as it reduces the channels of communication between China and the wider world.

For Ireland, as we seek to engage further with China as an important global actor, the contribution of a free and open media will be important in ensuring a shared understanding between us. We continue to support the free and uninhibited flow of news, opinion, and reporting around the world.

My Department is in frequent touch with the Chinese Embassy and media coverage of this case has been extensive. Indeed, the Embassy itself has engaged in social media on this issue, which has received a strong reaction from individual Irish citizens, and has received some global attention. The Chinese authorities, including the Embassy here, can be in no doubt as to the importance we in Ireland place on media freedom and freedom of expression.