The Government is concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet. My predecessor in office raised that issue in the course of his meeting with his Chinese counterpart when he visited that country in 1998. Since then the same issues have continued to be raised regularly by my officials with their Chinese counterparts. In addition, the views and concerns of Ireland on these matters, which are also shared by EU partners, are also conveyed to the Chinese authorities at meetings which take place twice a year as part of the EU-China human rights dialogue. The latter meetings address the full spectrum of human rights questions and, accordingly, also cover issues other than Tibet. It is the practice to keep any particular item on the agenda until such time as it has been satisfactorily addressed, and I do not envisage any change in this.
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
95.
Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he last made representations to the Chinese in relation to Tibet; the individuals with whom he spoke; if he will give details in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4189/00]