Vol. 542 No. 2
129 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons the Government made a statement in the UN against Taiwan's participation in the United Nations; and the further reason the Government was one of the few western countries which spoke out against the case of Taiwan. [21182/01]
143 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will propose Taiwan's participation in the United Nations; and if the Government will call for a resolution of the cross-strait issue through dialogue and peaceful means. [21183/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 143 together.
The question of the representation of Taiwan arose at a meeting of the General Committee of the UN General Assembly to approve the organisation of the current session. At this meeting on 14 September, Ireland reaffirmed its commitment to the "One China policy". Some 67 delegations, including Ireland and five EU partners – UK, France, Italy, Spain and Greece – spoke on similar lines. The "One China Policy" has been accepted by successive Irish Governments, as well as by all EU Partners and the United States. In accordance with this "One China Policy", the Government considers Taiwan to be part of China. Furthermore, Ireland regards the matter of Chinese representation at the UN as settled by General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971.
