Austin Deasy
Question:49 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the State recognises Tibet as either (1) an independent and sovereign state or (2) its annexation by China.
Written Answers. - Recognition of Tibet.
Peter Barry
Question:75 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has informed the Chinese Ambassador that it is not a matter for an official in the Chinese Embassy to say who is or is not welcome to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Tom Kitt
Question:101 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's present policy on Tibet.
Noel Dempsey
Question:102 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's current position on Tibet; and if the Government have abandoned their previous commitments to Tibet with particular reference to resolution 45/131.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 75, 101 and 102 together.
In 1979, when Ireland established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, the Irish Government recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. Diplomatic relations are conducted with China on that basis. At that time, Tibet was recognised internationally as part of the People's Republic. That situation remains unchanged. The question therefore of recognising Tibet as an independent and sovereign state does not arise.
One of the purposes of the United Nations, to which Ireland fully subscribes, is to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples. Consistent with that principle, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 45/131 on 14 December 1990, entitled, "Universal realisation of the right of peoples to self-determination". Ireland joined in the unanimous adoption of the resolution which does not make reference to any particular territories.
I continue to be deeply concerned at reports of human rights abuses in Tibet. Our Ambassador in Beijing has continued to monitor closely the situation in Tibet, especially in relation to human rights. Together with his colleagues from the Twelve, the Ambassador has ensured that the Chinese authorities are kept fully aware of our concerns on human rights in Tibet.
As recently as 27 February at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, the Presidency on behalf of the Twelve renewed the appeal to the Chinese authorities to guarantee full respect for the human rights of their citizens throughout China, including Tibet.
Ireland's policy on Tibet has always had as a central concern the need to ensure that the human rights of its people are protected. That continues to be the case.
I take it Deputy Barry is referring to the private visit to Ireland of the Dalai Lama. In contacts with the Chinese authorities on this matter it has been made absolutely clear that in our democratic system foreign visitors are at liberty to visit Ireland at the invitation of private persons and organisations, provided entry formalities are complied with.