CHINA: The Labour Party spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Michael D. Higgins, said it was "improper" and "unacceptable" that there were six photocalls but no press conference scheduled during the three-day official visit by the Vice-Premier of the People's Republic of China, Mr Huang Ju, who arrives in Ireland today, writes Deaglán de Bréadún, Foreign Affairs Correspondent.
"No superpower is entitled to operate in such a manner as effectively censors the press from asking reasonable questions and, in this instance, there are many reasonable questions," Mr Higgins said.
He said topics for "reasonable questions" would include human rights in China and the position of Tibet.
Criticising the Government's role, Mr Higgins said: "It is unacceptable. If you actually have an official visit you cannot appropriately treat it with the norms of a private visit."
Mr Ju's senior colleague, the Chinese Prime Minister, Mr Wen Jiabao, visited Ireland last May and was due to hold a press conference in Dublin at the time but, in a surprise move, this was cancelled without notice.
This afternoon Mr Ju will pay a courtesy call on the President, Mrs McAleese, at Áras an Uachtaráin.
He will also meet the Taoiseach at Government Buildings. Mr Ahern is due to make an official visit to China in January.
The Vice-Premier will meet jointly this evening with the Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Ms Harney, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahern, at Dublin Castle.
Issues for discussion between Government representatives and Mr Ju include: EU-China relations, including human rights issues; international political affairs; trade and investment; education, tourism and culture.
Tomorrow Mr Ju will meet the heads of Irish universities and the Minister for Education, Ms Hanafin.
He will also have a working lunch with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and representatives of Enterprise Ireland.