Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reject any allegation that I have disrespected the House because I spoke only when it was my turn. I thank the Chair. I am in the hands of the Chair, of course, but I found the ruling difficult.

People like the staff I mentioned are doing incredible work. They are representing our country. The person the Senator mentioned is extremely highly qualified. NGOs and private foundations can make a contribution to human rights and the Human Rights Council, but there are a small number of countries, notably the Netherlands, Germany, the United States and Ireland, that proportionately make additional unearmarked voluntary contributions to allow the special rapporteurs maintain their independence. That is because we want them to be independent.