Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. That was most interesting and informative for us. It feeds into the work that we are doing on peace and security and the Irish contribution and leadership. I have a concluding message for the witnesses as they leave. I thank them for their engagement and acknowledge the work of all 13 component parts of the Irish consortium in, as the witnesses said, areas of conflict, great diversity, challenge and difficulty.

The witnesses mentioned the contribution of Ireland at the UN Security Council, which is a great source of satisfaction and pride for us as Irish parliamentarians and for the committee. I acknowledge the ongoing work of the Irish leadership over many years on the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Only last week, Ireland acceded to the presidency of the Council of Europe, another important human rights organisation, where the women and girls agenda should be prioritised, although perhaps in less challenging but nevertheless equally important circumstances.

I thank Ms Van Lieshout, Ms Ryan and Mr. Sadlier for sharing their priorities and concerns with us.