3. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent visit to China. [14276/26]

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I welcome-----

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Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle. He is a good man. I welcome the Taoiseach's visit to China. It is an extremely important visit strategically and economically for Ireland in an increasingly uncertain international climate. It is absolutely clear that there are, as has been pointed out, two superpowers in this world at the moment but that the European Union and other like-minded trading nations need to keep their options open and develop new trade and new ties based on international rules of trade and politics. It is clear that, as a small trading nation, we must keep our options open at all times and develop new markets for our industries that we grow here. In addition to that, with the growth of more indigenous industries we need to create links to China, which is a huge market. I am also happy the Taoiseach has taken the opportunity to point out the deficiency in human rights in China because that is extremely important and something that would be expected by the Irish people of our Taoiseach in visiting China.

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