Ms Amanda McCloat:

In 2017, as many as 36% of the total junior certificate population studied home economics or 22,257 people, on average, studied home economics.

In terms of pressure, the study of home economics could be introduced here on a phased basis like in Northern Ireland. That jurisdiction has made it compulsory to study home economics up to key stage 3. In the North, home economics is now taught as part of its learning for life and work programme because home economics is taught from a life skills perspective. They have also introduced topics such as healthy eating, home and family life, and independent living. Undoubtedly, there will be some challenges at the very start but these can be managed and overcome through the provision of adequate resources and facilities. Like all health promotion, prevention is key as opposed to being reactive. We need to invest in teaching young people, during their formative years, the skills of cooking, food appreciation and to encourage them to adopt a positive relationship with food, which is critical and lasts a lifetime.