Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

59. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government’s approach to Tibet; if he is concerned regarding ongoing human rights abuses by the Chinese Communist Party in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1783/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland remains deeply concerned about the repression of minorities and the treatment of human rights defenders in China, including in Tibet.

The protection and promotion of human rights remains a core pillar of Ireland's Foreign Policy. Ireland regularly raises concerns on these matters with China, both in bilateral meetings as well as in the appropriate international fora. I raised concerns about the treatment of ethnic minorities when I met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing in November 2023. Then-Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and President Higgins also expressed concern about these issues when they met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to Ireland last January.

In January 2024, as part of its submission to the Universal Periodic Review of China at the Human Rights Council, Ireland highlighted the treatment of ethnic and religious groups, including in Tibet. Ireland also called on China to immediately release all arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists.

More recently, in September 2024, in our national Item 4 Statement at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland reiterated our concerns over restrictions on civic space in China and about the treatment of Tibetans. At the same session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland also joined the EU Statement, which expressed concerns about the human rights situation in China and specifically included reference to the situation in Tibet including, inter alia, the ill treatment and unlawful detention of human rights defenders. China was urged to abide by its obligations under national and international law to respect, protect and fulfil the rule of law and human rights for all, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and other persons belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic, religious or other groups and minorities across China.

Ireland will continue to address human rights concerns with China, through our bilateral contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and through the relevant multilateral channels.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

60. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the plans by Government to mark in 2026 the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the role of Irish people in the establishment and growth of the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1784/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Planning is underway within the United States on a rich programme of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US in summer of 2026. Ireland's deep ties with the US stretch back beyond the founding of our respective countries - of the fifty-six signatories of the Declaration of Independence, three were born on the island of Ireland.

This year, Ireland will accelerate our planning for how we mark the very significant and distinctive contribution of Irish people to the founding and development of the United States. Our engagement in this significant anniversary will reflect the depth and breadth of the political, economic and people-to-people ties between our two countries. It will also involve working closely with the new US Administration and, through our Embassy and eight Consulates General, together with the Irish and Irish American communities across the US.