Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our report addresses the issue of female participation. During the dot.com era the level of female participation was not at 50%, but many more were involved. The uptake is not as good now. There are many theories, one being the tech area is perceived as being too macho, or that boys are more familiar with computer games and PlayStation which are very much male-oriented. This may have turned off many girls from moving into the tech area. I agree with the point that honours maths is available in girls' schools but physics and applied maths are not available. This is due to lack of demand and it becomes self-fulfilling.