Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise as I was also in the Dáil to take questions.

I have attended other events, as the delegation is aware. It strikes me that its situation is very similar to that of the Falun Gong delegation from which we heard some time ago - they were mild-mannered, tolerant, peaceful and peace-loving people. We also know that Christian groups are among the most persecuted in the world at this stage. What mentality leads to this persecution? Apart from the date issue mentioned by the delegation and the very tenuous connection with Israel, what has the Baha'i community in Iran done to cause the persecution of such a peaceful and tolerant people? It is just incredible.

I met the Iranian ambassador after one of the events and discussed the matter with him. Unfortunately, I am still waiting on a reply, but if a letter is sent by this committee, it might add to my earlier request.

It seems the UN resolution is very ineffective and even Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are not making any progress on this issue. Ireland as a member of the UN Human Rights Council can play a role. Perhaps I am being naïve, but there could be some feelings of positivity when one sees the change of government and the change in some of the issues between the United States and Iran.