Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With the permission of the Chairman, I would like to contribute uninterrupted.

With regard to the broader issue of the promotion and defence of the human rights of women and girls by the United Nations, I can assure the Deputy that Ireland works actively on these issues and will continue to do so. During my visit to Saudi Arabia in November of last year, I specifically and deliberately raised human rights issues, including women's rights, with the Saudi Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. I assure the members of the committee that we will continue to use every opportunity to continue to convey Ireland's position on this issue.

I have been asked to review policy or change the policy in this regard. This is not an Irish policy. It is a UN policy. Since 1947, the rules of procedure governing elections at the United Nations provide that they take place by secret ballot.