Mr David Norris (Ind) said it was quite remarkable that a man who had been released from confinement in China was unable to gain re-admission to Ireland because of visa problems.
He said Mr Feng Liu, who was a Falun Gong practitioner, had previously been a student here. He had subsequently been detained in a labour camp by the Chinese authorities. As a result of pressure, in which the Irish Government had played a part, he had been released. Mr Liu wished to return to Ireland, with his wife, to resume his life and his studies here.
The leader of the House, Mrs Mary O'Rourke, said she would take up the matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.