That Seanad Éireann supports Paragraph 96 of the European Parliament Resolution of 12 September 2012 on the Annual Report from the Council to the European Parliament on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (12562/2011 -2012/2050(INI)), which states as follows:
‘[The European Parliament] Welcomes the successful conclusion of the presidential and parliamentary elections held in Taiwan on 14 January 2012; commends Taiwan’s continuous efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region; recognises the progress made in cross-Strait relations, especially the improvement of economic links, noting that closer economic ties with Taiwan could improve the EU’s market access to China; urges the Commission and the Council, in accordance with Parliament’s CFSP resolution of May 2011, to take concrete steps to further enhance EU-Taiwan economic relations, and to facilitate the negotiation of an EU-Taiwan economic cooperation agreement ; reiterates its firm support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant international organisations and activities, including the World Health Organisation; recognises that the EU Visa Waiver Program granted to Taiwanese citizens, which entered into force in January 2011, has proven to be mutually beneficial; encourages closer bilateral cooperation between the EU and Taiwan in areas such as trade, research, culture, education and environmental protection.’
Furthermore, the Seanad:
recognises the improved relations and closer ties between Ireland and Taiwan in recent years;
welcomes the recent introduction, on a reciprocal basis, of a Working Holiday Programme for Taiwanese nationals;
trusts that this initiative – in conjunction with the visa waiver for Taiwanese nationals – can provide a solid foundation for future progress;
believes that there is vast potential in stimulating new Irish-Taiwanese academic links, scientific cooperation, cultural exchange and tourism;
urges the House of the Oireachtas to continue to promote greater bilateral trade and investment;
and hopes that Ireland and Taiwan can continue to develop closer relations , thereby leading to greater economic prosperity for both countries.”