Ms Noelle O'Connell:

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his questions. On the work of the committee in supporting EU jobs, it is unfortunately a common refrain that the Irish demographic is slightly on the ageing side. Two Secretaries General from Ireland have served at senior level in the European Commission. When we comment on where Irish people get to at all levels of the institutions, whether that is Emer Cooke, who is head of the European Medicines Agency, which did such crucial work during the Covid-19 pandemic, or Emily O'Reilly, who is a former ombudsman, we should be proud that we punch above our weight. However, the Cathaoirleach is correct that it will not continue to be the case unless we ensure that pipeline is there. The committee members have an opportunity to engage, for example through their work at constituency level in encouraging young people. It is something we in EMI do. We support the Government's EU jobs strategy and work with partners and stakeholders to provide career clinics. We are all over the country participating in careers fairs and jobs fairs and speaking at student societies on the campuses of universities and colleges. That is hugely important

The language support will also be key, particularly at primary school level. Given how multiethnic and multinational Ireland is, we have a real opportunity to harness the languages and really ramp that up. However, it will require continued investment. It is welcome to see that going on, but it will not happen overnight and the committee's support in continuing to encourage the Government to continue to engage on this issue is important.

On the committee's work and the dissonance and separation between Ireland and Europe, I would encourage constant debate, conversation, engagement and town hall participation. The Cathaoirleach kindly spoke at an EMI conference on AI. That type of constant conversation and representation is hugely important.

The Deputy's third question was about a united Ireland.