32. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has expressed concern about the new Ethnic Unity Law being introduced by the Chinese Communist Party that will seek to further undermine ethnic minorities such as the Uyghur and Tibetan peoples in China; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60701/26]

My Department has been following developments relating to China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress since the draft was introduced in the National People’s Congress in September 2025, and throughout the legislative process to its enactment on 1 July.

The Government has consistently supported efforts by the EU to highlight the particularly vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities in China. The Government’s assessment of this legislation was reflected in our decision to support an EU statement at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in June, which underlined concerns about this new law and the potentially extraterritorial effects. This EU statement also urged China to respect, protect and fulfil human rights for all, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and other persons belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities across China.

Ireland will continue to support EU efforts for engagement on this issue in the period ahead. Ahead of the upcoming 81st session of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September, Ireland intends to work with partners to ensure that this issue is a priority in the EU’s strategic work plan.

Ireland is supporting efforts to convene another meeting of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, led by the European External Action Service.

The protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and we will continue to raise concerns with the Chinese authorities both in bilateral meetings and in the appropriate multilateral fora, including with regard to the treatment of ethnic minorities.