Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am from County Mayo, where I met Senator Mitchell a couple of years ago when he gave a talk at the Mary Robinson Centre there. It is great to have him online today and I thank him for all the great work he has done. Ms Gildernew asked the question I had about the importance of opening up educational opportunities across the island. I acknowledge all that is being done in this regard through Senator Mitchell's institute and, as he described, by way of the scholarships with which he is associated.

I am very concerned that the exchange of students across the island since the Good Friday Agreement has been very low. The figure is less than 2% for students going either from North to South or South to North. Is there anything further Senator Mitchell thinks we could do specifically to open up opportunities either for apprenticeships or in further and higher education? I am also concerned about the closing off of opportunities under the Horizon Europe programme.

Senator Mitchell will be aware of the EU Horizon programme, which is worth €100 million, but because of Brexit, we are in a situation where there will be fewer opportunities for research and development. Will he speak to the collaboration and networks for research and development between the two islands, North and South, and with the United States as well? Does he see any other opportunities or something the two Governments or the parties can do to open up those opportunities?