KENNY WELCOMES RAISING OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA BY TÁNAISTE

Posted on February 20, 2012 1:30 PM   |   Permanent Link   

The Dublin North East Labour TD, Seán Kenny, today welcomed the statement by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that he had raised the question of human rights in China with the Chinese Vice President during his week end visit to Ireland.

"I would also echo the concerns expressed this morning by John O'Gorman of Amnesty International regarding human rights in China."

"Since my election to the Dáil last year a number of constituents, who were former Chinese citizens, before they were granted asylum and Irish citizenship, have contacted me to raise their concerns with regard to the lack of human rights in China, particularly for Falun Gong followers."

"These constituents have specifically raised their concern that if they were to go to China to visit their families there they might be subjected to persecution. I would call on the Chinese ambassador in Ireland to respond to these fears."

"I strongly welcome the increase in trade between Ireland and China and I hope the visit by the Chinese Vice President will lead to Chinese investment in Irish jobs."