asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any progress has been made in the establishment of a Chinese embassy in Dublin.

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.

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?

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.