I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 32, 75 and 81 together.
The latest information available to my Department is that Mr. Zhao Ming remains in detention in China on the charge of "anti-social behaviour" relating to alleged Falun Gong activities.
As he recently informed the Dáil, the Taoiseach raised this case in his discussions with the Chinese Premier, Zhu Rongji, in Dublin on 3 September. At that time Premier Zhu undertook to draw our concerns to the attention of the judicial authorities in China. As the Taoiseach also informed the Dáil, it has been confirmed to us that the Premier has done so.
The Government remains concerned about Mr. Zhao's situation. Through our embassy in Beijing and contacts at other levels, the Government is pursuing the case on an ongoing basis. However, given all the circumstances, including the fact that Mr. Zhao is a Chinese citizen, this has to be done in the manner in which we pursue it. The Taoiseach and I have undertaken to keep Deputies informed as and when we receive further information.