7. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on EU and international affairs will next meet. [35405/25]
Sentiment score: 0.00
I agree with my colleague, Deputy Moynihan, about the horrible events that continue to unfold in Sudan. I raise the EU-China summit which will take place next year. While it is important and increasingly the case that we must have free and fair trade around the world, and I know China and the European Union are committed to try to address some of the trading problems globally, I raise again the issue of continuing human rights abuses in China by the Chinese Communist Party. In particular, I raise the case of Tibet and how the Tibetan minority is treated. I would like an assurance in the context of the EU-China summit that human rights will remain on the EU's agenda, that the Irish Government and the EU will raise the question of the succession of the Dalai Lama and that we will reaffirm the position that it is right for those of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to choose the Dalai Lama's successor and that his successor should not be chosen by the Chinese Communist Party.
Sentiment score: 0.25
What about Tibet?
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I asked about Tibet.
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13. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach if he has had any engagement to date with the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney. [35275/25]
Sentiment score: 0.15
I welcome the Taoiseach's very warm welcome for the new Prime Minister of Canada. I am sure he will also join with me in welcoming the new Canadian ambassador to Ireland Dennis King and his wife Jana, who have just joined us. The Taoiseach's personal commitment to Canada over a long period is very welcome and I look forward to the Government implementing CETA. I understand the memo has been brought to Government but the Taoiseach might outline if it will be fully ratified by the end of this year. It needs to be remembered that over 15,000 people are employed by Canadian companies in Ireland, that over 6,000 people are employed by Irish companies in Canada and that Canada is Ireland's 12th largest trading partner. As the Taoiseach said, Ireland and Canada share so many values. It surprises me in this House that those warm relationships we have with democratic countries that share our values are attacked so often and yet there are those on the Opposition benches who will never criticise countries like Russia, Iran or Venezuela - countries that certainly do not share our values. Trade is the lifeblood of this economy and having a global economy that has free and fair trade is essential to lift people out of poverty and provide people with employment.
Sentiment score: 0.55
Nor Moscow nor Tehran
Sentiment score: 0.00