I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 9 together.
Yesterday, in reply to Question No. 55, I recalled that in 1979, when Ireland established diplomatic relations with The People's Republic of China, the Government of Ireland recognised the Government of The People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Chinese position at that time was and still is that China includes Tibet.
In relation to Tibet, protection of the human rights of Tibetans is a central concern of Government policy. I have consistently raised this issue of human rights with the Chinese authorities in the past and I will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.
I am very conscious of the problems which have been mentioned by the Deputies, human rights violations; immigration to Tibet of persons of Han-Chinese origin; the question of religious freedom, including the whereabouts of the Dalai Lama's choice as Panchen Lama.
These issues have been raised by the European Union, specifically at the EU Troika-Human Rights Dialogue Meeting which took place earlier this year in January; these matters will be actively pursued with the Chinese authorities during the Irish Presidency.
As a priority the Government wishes to see the early re-establishment of the dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese authorities and I am prepared to do everything possible to encourage this.