Senator Bacik commends Bord Bia, and talks about trade missions to China

Order of Business.

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Senator Ivana Bacik: I am sure the Minister of State will give a similar response to the comment made by the Tánaiste when he attended the excellent debate we had on foreign affairs and trade last Thursday. He pointed out the important work that he and others, in Government, have been doing to restore Ireland's international reputation since last February.

None of us should describe a Senator's decision to change grouping as a diminution of democracy. Some of us have in the past moved to a new group. We in the Labour Party welcome new Members to our group and we do not charge transfer feed.

I commend Bord Bia on its wonderful initiative to hold a big convention today, a showcase for Irish food producers. Retailers, distributors and wholesalers from all over the world have come to look at Irish food, conduct business and develop trade links. I have seen important trade links being fostered in China and welcome reports today that one of the leading figures in the Chinese Government will visit Ireland and head a trade mission here. We are sending people to China on a trade mission in the next month. There is great potential for Ireland to act as a gateway for Chinese businesses that want to come here.

Senator David Norris: Will he be asked about Tibet?

Senator Ivana Bacik: Absolutely.

Senator David Norris: Good.

Senator Ivana Bacik: We have to be conscious of human rights issues.

Senator David Norris: Excellent.

Senator Ivana Bacik: I have been to China on human rights training programmes. It is important to keep Senator Norris's point in mind. We should also bear in mind the positive aspects of further links with China. We are already seeing large numbers of Chinese students being welcomed in our universities and colleges. It is important for us to foster such links. The establishment of strong links between China and western democracies is important for Chinese human rights activists.

… A wide range of foreign affairs and trade issues were covered during last week's excellent debate with the Tánaiste. In light of what is happening today with Bord Bia and the development of links with China, it might be worth having a full debate on Ireland's trade links with other countries. We had such a debate with the previous Minister of State in this role, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. It might be worthwhile to have a debate with the new Minister of State, Deputy Costello, who has taken up that mantle now. I ask the Leader to arrange such a debate in the coming weeks.