asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will establish full diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and install a resident ambassador in Peking.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Diplomatic Relations.
33.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to open diplomatic relations with any further states within the next year; and, if so, which states.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
The question of opening diplomatic relations with states with which we do not at present have formal relations is kept under continuous review in the light of our international interests and the availability of the necessary resources. As the opening of diplomatic relations requires the prior agreement of the state concerned, it would be inappropriate and contrary to international practice to speculate publicly about the Government's possible future intention.
I appreciate that the Minister is taking two questions together and what he has said with regard to showing his hand but would he agree that we should have full diplomatic relations with the largest single state in the world, the Peoples' Republic of China? Without in any way wishing to prejudice his negotiations or possible negotiations, would the Minister give an indication as to what his attitude, and that of his Government, is to the desirability of opening full residential diplomatic status with the People's Republic of China?
The Deputy will appreciate that before I can give my attitude I must also be equally aware of what the attitude of the other country might be. I have not had an opportunity of having direct contacts with the country concerned with a view to discussing this but it is fair to say that the previous Government had this matter under consideration for some time. Obviously, I can be guided by the extent to which their discussions had proceeded in their consultations.
Will the Minister actively pursue those discussions?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that Ireland has had very positive associations in common enterprises with the governmental authorities in Taiwan and will he ensure that in connection with any possible consideration of having diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China nothing will be done to impair the happy relationship which exists between the Government of Ireland and the Government of Taiwan?
The Minister's predecessor, I understand, had open negotiations with Libya and I should like to know the present position. When is it likely that the Minister will establish diplomatic relations with that country?
In the overall I should like to say that I regard as a matter of considerable importance the reviewing of the question of diplomatic representation generally, particularly the opening of further negotiations. In the foreseeable future I hope to be able to make proposals to the Government on these areas. I do not wish to specify any particular case. With regard to Deputy Ryan's question I am sure he appreciates that the issue he has raised is one that involves the kind of consultation I referred to in reply to Deputy Quinn. We cannot set conditions for countries who are consulting with us as to whether or not we can acknowledge them on our terms as distinct from theirs. Perhaps the Deputy has in a sense disclosed one of the problems that activated the concern of the previous Government in this area.