Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Mitchell for coming before the committee. This has been a great discussion. I was watching it in my office before making my way here. I commend Dr. Mitchell on her book, The Ghost Limb. I attended her briefing recently in the audiovisual room. I was incredibly impressed with the discussion that day and her viewpoint, and what that viewpoint adds to the conversation on Irish unity and the points about inclusivity. The considerations and sensitivities Dr. Mitchell touched on that day regarding identity are very important and this needs to be a bigger part of the discussion.

Dr. Mitchell's story and background is fascinating. She mentioned that her parents are religious dissenters. That is something I can personally relate to. My mother is Protestant and my father is Catholic, therefore I am Protestant also. I was exposed to very colourful conversations in my childhood. I have an appreciation for the differences between identities within my family. Will Dr. Mitchell speak more about her own experience? She mentioned political homelessness, which is a very interesting statement. It probably does not get enough mention from others. This is the feeling, as Dr. Mitchell said in her opening statement, of being out of place. This would be very interesting for me.

It is very important while we are speaking about women and constitutional change that we mention, as Dr. Mitchell did in her opening statement, the difficulties women face in trying to take part in these relevant and important conversations. Dr. Mitchell spoke about the adversarial news media and the difficulty in participating in last-minute debates and confrontational debates as a woman. That is a very important point to mention. When I commit to events even a couple of weeks away, children and responsibilities in the family can make it very tricky and difficult to manage.

It is important for that to be said. It is also important to mention the difficulties women face in trying to partake. Dr. Mitchell also mentioned that those who are trying to take part in the conversations and discussions are doing so without being recorded. That is significant as well that we are still at a stage where there is a level of contention for these women who want to come forward and have a lot to say, I would imagine. It is concerning they still feel they have to do so without being recorded. Is it being considered enough by the political parties working on Irish unity? That is a concern of mine.

I wish to commend Ms Linda Ervine. Dr. Mitchell mentioned her work and I saw her on the "Tommy Tiernan Show". It was fascinating to hear her story and the journey she has gone on. She has done amazing work especially in respect of the Irish language and I wanted to mention that and commend her on the work she has done.

Dr. Mitchell pointed to there being a lack of trust towards political parties in the North and South. There is also a lack of confidence in their capabilities because of the number of issues mentioned such as housing. That is number one for everyone because one cannot achieve much unless one has the security of a home at least. The commonalities for women are issues around childcare, that women would be the predominant gender in terms of teachers and carers, for example, and social welfare. There are probably commonalities there where there could be more conversations about what can be achieved to make it better for women, North and South. I would be very grateful if Dr. Mitchell touched on her work with Protestants and Irish unity.