Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Chinese Embassy.
- Chinese Embassy in Dublin 4 speeches
The Minister said diplomatic relations with China were under active consideration and declined to disclose the status of discussions. He acknowledged China’s growing trade importance and said he had discussed the matter with China’s Foreign Minister.
Michael O'Leary, Michael O'Kennedy
- Withdrawal of Question No. 10 8 speeches
FitzGerald withdrew his question after it was answered by O’Kennedy rather than the Taoiseach, and asked to resubmit it; the Chair confirmed its withdrawal.
Joseph Brennan, Garrett Fitzgerald, Michael O'Kennedy
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any progress has been made in the establishment of a Chinese embassy in Dublin.
Comment on this
The question of diplomatic relations with China is under active consideration at present. The establishment of diplomatic relations is, of course, a matter for negotiation with, and requires the prior agreement of, the State concerned. It would be inappropriate, therefore, and contrary to international practice if I were to indicate to the Deputy the present status of our discussions with China.
Comment on this
Does the Minister appreciate that China is the fastest growing market for west European products in the last year or so and that it is generally recognised that this is the case? Would he accept that an Irish embassy in Peking and a Chinese embassy here would assist in getting this country a share in that very fast growing trade?
Comment on this
I am aware of the latest political and economic developments in China. They are matters of considerable importance of which we are actively aware and which are taken into account. As the Deputy knows, I met the Foreign Minister of China during my visit to the United Nations and we discussed the whole range of this matter.
Comment on this
Question No. 10 is withdrawn. It was put down to the Taoiseach. It is based on citations from his speech and I should like the Taoiseach to answer it himself. I shall put it down to him again next week.
Comment on this
I am sorry about that but if a question which is down to the Taoiseach based on direct citations from his speech which related to a matter of Government policy for which he has overall responsibility is transferred to another Minister arbitrarily I am entitled to withdraw my question.
Comment on this
If the Deputy does not mind my reply will still be on the basis on which it is. Obviously Deputy O'Leary will see the point.
Comment on this
I have withdrawn my question. May I take it that I am entitled to put it down again and that the reply to Question No. 13 will not debar me from that procedure?