Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018

Wednesday, 28 March 2018

Ceisteanna (57, 62, 66, 75, 86, 92)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

57. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the political situation in Hong Kong in view of recent by-elections. [14222/18]

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

62. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the disqualification of legislators in Hong Kong with his Chinese counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14201/18]

Mick Barry

Ceist:

66. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the continuance of democratic rights in Hong Kong. [14223/18]

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

75. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the political situation in Hong Kong with the Chinese authorities. [14221/18]

Mick Barry

Ceist:

86. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the need for full democratic rights in Hong Kong with the Chinese authorities. [14224/18]

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

92. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the erosion of democratic rights in Hong Kong; the communications he has had with the Irish consulate regarding the recent by-elections in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14202/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 62, 66, 75, 86 and 92 together.

The Government follows the political developments which are taking place in Hong Kong on an ongoing basis, including the by-elections which took place on 11 March.

In the lead-up to my recent visit to China, and during my visit to Hong Kong on 12 March, I was briefed on the most recent developments by Ireland’s Consulate General and by the Embassy in Beijing.

I discussed the particular political situation in Hong Kong with the Chief Executive Carrie Lam when I met her in Hong Kong on 12 March.

Ireland has been consistent in its support for the full implementation of the Basic Law and the 'One Country, Two Systems’ principle. This system provides Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, rule of law, an independent judiciary, democratic separation of powers, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. I believe that this continues to deliver positive benefits to the people of Hong Kong, to the People’s Republic of China, and its global partners, including Ireland. I hope that electoral reform in Hong Kong can be taken forward in future, within the framework of the Basic Law and the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, in a manner that is democratic, fair, open and transparent.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 49.