Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 9

Written Answers. - Death of Prisoner in China.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

74 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case in the People's Republic of China of a prisoner (details supplied) who reportedly died under torture on 15 December 1990; if he intends making diplomatic representations to the Chinese Government on the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

I am aware of the case referred to in the Deputy's question.

In line with established practice, Ireland and its European Community partners continue to raise allegations of human rights abuses in China, both directly with the Chinese authorities and in the appropriate international fora. Our appeals to the Chinese authorities cover all those arrested and punished for their political beliefs and not just those whose names are known. The human rights situation in China remains a source of great concern to me, and once more I urge the authorities there to safeguard and guarantee the human rights of their citizens.