asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any progress has been made in the establishment of a Chinese embassy in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Chinese Embassy.
9.
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.
Question No. 10.
Question No. 10 is withdrawn.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.
The Chair has no notice of that.
My reply is formulated on the basis of taking Questions Nos. 10 and 13 together.
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.
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.
I have withdrawn my question.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?
Question No. 10 is withdrawn. Question No. 11