Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor O'Brennan for his presentation and take on board his criticisms of the A Career for EU strategy and that is something we might come back to and make recommendations to the Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs, Deputy Thomas Byrne. Where are the students who would potentially follow an international role going to instead? Are they going to the United Nations or are they staying at home? It is surprising this is happening because from my experience as a Deputy, and I know for my colleagues as well, we are inundated with young people who want to work for us and to be parliamentary or secretarial assistants or want work experience. Despite what we hear, young people are very interested in politics. We had some transition year students from all over the country in the coffee dock last week and their level of interest was extraordinary. There is a problem because the people are there, and Professor O'Brennan is outlining the problems that are hindering them from going to the EU. Where are those bright students he talked about going instead?

Second, what is the Commission's view on this? Professor O'Brennan mentioned it briefly. Is the Commission concerned that certain nationalities are not being represented in the institutions or does it care less? I would be interested in that. How important is it to have all the different member states represented in the EU institutions?

Finally, I have a technical question. What is the language eligibility criterion and where does Irish fit into that? What languages do students need to follow a career generally in EU institutions or in particular EU institutions?