Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the opportunity. My first point is similar to what Senator Andrews just said. An interesting thing I found was that sometimes we tend to think people are not finding their information from the traditional sources. While newspapers are not mentioned, TV and radio was cited and, generally speaking, one feels that information, at least, is going to be fact-checked and proper information. It is very important. Turning to the 20% online and 12% social media finding, I assume the difference there is that the online information is in terms of solid platforms. I found that quite refreshing in an era where much of what we hear is defined by algorithms and social media.

What concerns me is the number of people getting their information from either the Government or NGOs such as European Movement Ireland. Only 4% of information comes from the Government and 3% from NGOs. Just looking at European Movement Ireland, I think it has 11 people working there. Is that right? There are 11 people on the website. There may well be more. The role of the organisation is very important in terms of this engagement, etc. How do the witnesses feel we can support it as an NGO in terms of this important engagement? I ask this particularly as we are coming up to the European Presidency. Obviously, many citizens feel disengaged and disconnected from EU decision-making. There is the political aspect of our MEPs, shall we say, and our Commissioner, but there must be more we can do in terms of an organisation such as European Movement Ireland. I think the Blue Star programme is a good one. I got to go to a school recently with the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, in this regard. I am interested in hearing how Ms O'Connell and Ms Hayes feel we can involve more young people and show them that this is about their future and empower them to help shape it, and all that type of outreach.

Going back to something else I thought was interesting, the areas of most concern, I was just amazed that Israel and Palestine did not come up on the Republic of Ireland one, considering the emails we are all getting. What did hearten me in the poll response was the number of people who agreed with and supported enlargement. I thought this was a key point. There is a particular role we need there around the countries looking at enlargement in respect of ensuring we put a programme in place for it. Another point is that 50% response from people looking at increased EU defence and security.

Does Ms O'Connell think there is something in the issue of the triple lock that means people are becoming more engaged or would like to be on that issue?