Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Horkan imparted the recent findings of the European Movement Ireland-RED C poll, according to which 92% of Irish people are in favour of Ireland remaining within the EU. It is an encouraging statistic, but far more encouraging is that, in the 18 to 24 years bracket, the figure is 97%. If North Korea made these figures up, we would still struggle to believe them.

Something that is discouraging, however, is the Irish population's lack of linguistic skills in second, third or fourth languages. Will the Leader call on the Minister for Education and Skills to attend the House to discuss a strategy that encourages young and not-so-young Irish people to take up additional languages, specifically European ones like French, Spanish, Polish and beyond? As we embark upon the post-Brexit era when our exposure to and reliance on the Continent will grow, it is important that Irish people not simply do so with an ability in English, a lesser ability as Gaeilge and no third or fourth language. This is putting us behind the curve economically and socially on a European level.