Ireland and China
1. China-Ireland Diplomatic Relations Celebrate 45th Anniversary: Collaborating for Development, Joining Hands for Cooperation
In April 2024, there were frequent friendly exchanges between China and Ireland.
From April 16 to 18, Han Liming, Secretary of the Nanjing Municipal Committee, led a delegation to Birmingham, UK, and Dublin, Ireland. During the visit, they held talks with the Irish government and businesses, and attended the Nanjing-Birmingham University Innovation Cooperation Symposium. The event aimed to deepen cultural exchanges, strengthen innovation cooperation, and expand economic and trade interactions.
On April 19, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, met with Ann Derwin, the Irish Ambassador to China. They exchanged in-depth views on Sino-Irish relations and future cooperation. President Yang welcomed Ambassador Derwin to the Friendship Association, emphasizing that Sino-Irish friendship has become a model for friendly coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries with different historical cultures and political systems. He expressed a willingness to work closely with the Irish Embassy in China to contribute to the development of a mutually beneficial strategic partnership between China and Ireland.
On April 21, the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for World College Students, Ireland regional finals, was successfully held at the Confucius Institute at University College Dublin. Ambassador He Xiangdong awarded the winners and gave a speech, stressing that language is a bridge for cultural exchange and expressed hope that students will become ambassadors of Sino-Irish friendship.
On April 24, Ambassador He Xiangdong met with O'Connor, Convenor of the China-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group. Ambassador He stated that legislative body exchanges are an important part of bilateral relations and looked forward to promoting continuous deepening of friendly exchanges and cooperation with the Irish Parliament. O'Connor expressed his pleasure at leading a delegation of the China- Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group to China last year, noting the impressive development achievements of China and the warm hospitality of its people. The two sides also exchanged views on Sino-Irish cultural and local exchanges.
2. Influx of Visitors from Visa-free Nations Such as Ireland to Beijing Surges Nearly Fivefold
Beijing experienced a significant increase in visitors from visa-free nations, including Ireland, in the first quarter of 2024. Ambassador Anne Derwin of Ireland to China lauded the visa-free policy, emphasizing its role in deepening mutual understanding and fostering cultural exchange between the two countries. The surge in visitors reflects growing people-to-people bonds and highlights the positive impact of visa-free policies on bilateral relations.
Politics
1. Simon Harris Officially Appointed as 15th Taoiseach
On April 9, 2024, Simon Harris's nomination as Taoiseach of Ireland was ratified in the Dáil with 88 Yes votes to 69 No votes. Following the formal voting process, President Michael Higgins officially appointed Simon Harris as the 15th Taoiseach of Ireland at the President's residence in Dublin. In his address to the Dáil on the same day, Harris expressed his acceptance of the new role with humility and pledged to bring fresh ideas, energy, and empathy to Irish public life. He outlined his priorities, which include addressing housing challenges, improving mental health services, and enhancing care for the elderly.
2. Ireland's Position on EU's New Pact on Migration and Asylum
On April 10, 2024, the European Union adopted a new Pact on Migration and Asylum aimed at improving long-term migration management and establishing a unified asylum system within the EU. The Irish government welcomed this initiative, acknowledging its potential benefits for Ireland. Taoiseach Harris highlighted Ireland's potential as a significant beneficiary of the pact, particularly in managing refugee inflows. However, some non-governmental organizations criticized the regulation, expressing concerns about reduced humanitarian assistance to refugees.
3. Legislation Regarding Asylum Seekers
On April 25, the British Parliament passed the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act, which proposes sending refugees entering the UK to Rwanda in East Africa to deter further migration via small boats. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, expressed concerns about the potential impact of this policy on Ireland, anticipating an increase in migrants entering the Republic through Northern Ireland. In response, Taoiseach Simon Harris emphasized the necessity of legislation to manage migrant flows into Ireland post-asylum approval in the UK. He called upon Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to introduce measures allowing for the return of asylum-seekers to the United Kingdom to safeguard the integrity of Ireland's migration system.
Society
1. Expansion of Women's Healthcare Services
The Irish government announced Phase Two of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025 on April 18, which includes significant enhancements to women's health services. Notably, the plan extends free contraception services to women up to the age of 35, expanding upon previous coverage for those aged 17-25. In addition to contraception services, the plan seeks to enhance specialist menopause clinics, introduce "See-and-Treat" gynaecology clinics, establish a public Assisted Human Reproduction Treatment Centre, and provide increased support for marginalized women and cancer patients.
2. Transition of Catholic Primary School to Multidenominational Patronage
On April 12, St. Mary's Primary School in Dublin announced its decision to transition from Catholic to multidenominational patronage, becoming the first Catholic primary school in Ireland to do so. Supported by the Department of Education and facilitated by the Archdiocese's education secretariat, the school community expressed a preference for multidenominational management during a consultation period. This transition reflects the government's efforts to diversify school management in response to community demand.
Culture
1. The 39th Cúirt International Festival of Literature held in Galway
Cúirt International Festival of Literature had started in Galway on April 23 and continued until April 28. In its 39th edition, this festival is one of the oldest European book festivals, and represent a leading voice for literature both internationally and across Ireland.
More than 70 activities were organized, spanning poetry, prose, music, spoken word, theatre, talks, masterclasses, family events and exhibitions as well as the beloved annual series of talks and workshops tailored for children and teenagers, the Cúirt Labs.
Highlights of this festival include conversation between Booker Prize winners Paul Lynch and John Banville. Besides, three winners of the 2024 Cúirt New Writing Prize were invited to the festival, including Short Fiction Winner Emily Iseult Duggan, Poetry Winner Lucy Holme, and Irish Winner Hannah Ní Chonghaile.
2. The 5th Catalyst International Film Festival held in Limerick
The 5th Catalyst International Film Festival took place in Limerick from April 18 to April 20, which prioritised stories and storytellers currently under-represented on screen and behind the camera.
Of all awards categories, the National Student Film Award (€1000) and the Short Documentary Bursary Award (€10,000) were newly added and open to emerging filmmakers. The former was gained by Megan O' Shaughnessy and Thomas Purdy for their work How to Skin a Cheetah, and Nicola Leddy clinched the latter.
3. The 112th Anniversary of the Titanic Tragedy in Belfast
Belfast marked the 112th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy with a poignant service at the Titanic Memorial Garden in City Hall. Attendees paid their respects to the lives lost in one of history's most infamous maritime disasters, reflecting on the tragedy's enduring impact on Irish history and culture. Floral tributes were laid at the memorial garden, accompanied by prayers to honor the memory of over 1,500 souls lost in the disaster.
