asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama for his exemplary adherence to peaceful protest against the Chinese occupation of Tibet; and if he will outline the Government's attitude to this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nobel Peace Prize.
5.
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. At that time Tibet was part of the territory of the People's Republic. This remains the situation today.
It is clear that Tibetans, like other nationalities within the jurisdiction of the People's Republic, have their own language, religious beliefs and customs. We would be very concerned that full respect be shown for their human rights. This is a concern we share with our partners in the European Community.
The Dalai Lama is a respected and revered religious leader of Tibetans. In my view he deserves the highest credit for his continuing commitment to a peaceful approach, through dialogue, to the problems faced by Tibet and its people. I admire him for this; and I think the decision of the Norwegian Parliament to award him the Nobel Peace Prize for this year, is a fitting recognition of his stature and his commitment to peace.
I am very grateful to the Taoiseach for belatedly giving recognition to this peace prize. His excuse that we are tied by the 1979 recognition of China, is relying on protocol. Would the Taoiseach not agree that it is another question of recognising the might of China as against the right of Tibet and of recognising that commercial interests take precedence over international justice?
No, I would not agree with that. I would like the Deputy to perhaps agree with me that these are all very complex matters. When one gets into the area of international relations and the rights of different states internationally there are many different considerations to be taken into account. What one has to do is try to behave on the international scene as a good citizen of the world and particularly to abide by the international institutions. In our case we have always been supporters of the United Nations and we endeavour to be good members of the United Nations. All these things have to be taken into account in deciding a complex issue of this kind. The question deals only with the Nobel Peace Prize and I have given the Government's view that we are very pleased that the Dalai Lama has received that; and we welcome it.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that we should seek observer status for the Tibetan Government at the UN in the same way as the PLO are represented?
The Deputy is expanding the scope of this question.
That can be considered.
Question No. 6 please.
That is a bit surprising. I do not think it can be considered in view of what the Taoiseach said earlier.
The Deputy has put it forward as being purely for consideration.
I have called Question No. 6.
You should have listened to what you read out earlier.
I know exactly what I read out. That sort of cheap jibe does not really advance things in this House.
I have in fact called the next question.
Would you like me to repeat it verbally from memory? I am endeavouring to be courteous to a new Deputy in the House and the Deputy should appreciate that.
I think——
Please let us get on with Question No. 6.
I think you have opened a gate you may regret.
Please, Deputy Barry, let us get on with questions.