Confucius Institutes and Taiwan
The Leader answered concerns about Confucius Institutes and then addressed relations with Taiwan, stressing education investment, the one-China policy, and the value of the Taiwanese relationship. Senator Norris challenged the basis of the one-China policy and the Chair intervened.
With regard to the Confucius Institutes or Buddha - I am not sure which one the Senator wants me to address - but the-----
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Once the Buddha remains awake, everything is all right. The Senator can carry on now, without interruption.
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The Senator makes an important point about investment in education. Equally, the issue Senator Wilson raised about Taiwan is important. Those of us in this House who are part of the Taiwan friendship group recognise that we have a one-China policy but it behoves all Members of the House to promote relations-----
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How did we get to the One China policy? It was never discussed in either House, nor in the foreign affairs committee-----
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The Senator will have to have a chat about that outside the House. The Leader to respond.
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It is important that we work with Taiwan to forge links and develop relationships. I know from our own relationship with Taiwan and the representative here, Simon Tu, that it is very positive. It is important that we keep all options open, recognising that we do have a One China policy.
Senator Coffey raised an important issue regarding the appointment of hospital groups. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss the appointment of the boards in particular because we have created hospital groups but need to have hospital group boards appointed.
Senator Devine raised an issue about Tusla. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to address that.
Senator Butler raised the issue of the nuclear plant being built at Hinkley. I note from yesterday's press release that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Mr. Greg Clarke, along with his Chinese counterpart, welcomed it.
The Senator makes a good point about nuclear energy and its potential impact here. I would be happy to invite the Minister to the House.
Senator Ned O’Sullivan raised the contentious issue of the bequest of former Presidents’ papers and archives. I will not name the person the Senator referred to but it is important to recognise that there may be a need for a presidential library or centre of sorts. I am sure it would be nice to have one for former President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh in Cahirciveen, a beautiful setting. The centre the Senator refers to is a living institution. The president he refers to has spent time in the National University of Ireland, Galway dealing with human rights. There has been some newspaper commentary on this recently. Rather than criticise it, we should find out how former American presidents set up their presidential libraries. I am glad that Senator Norris is not at the end of his road. Maybe in time we could have a Norris library somewhere, given the great work he did in many landmark cases.