Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

A couple of comments were made about Athena SWAN. I cannot remember whether Dr. Mulcahy or Professor Cusack mentioned it. It is a blunt instrument. Having served on a governing authority, I believe that despite everything put in place, it really comes down to the individual institution and the work it does. I offer my encouragement. We are keeping an eye on all this, and we are aware that the delegates are doing so also. It is important to see progress.

I have spoken to Mr. Hannigan about consent. This is an issue that everybody is taking very seriously. I thank Mr. Hannigan in this regard. Quite recently, we have seen things in the media, not in respect of Mr. Hannigan’s institution but in respect of others. We would like to do anything we can as a committee to support the work in this regard.

Let me return to climate action. We have heard presentations from those involved with education and training boards in which they referred to the need to consider climate and sustainability in respect of every subject. Obviously, this is a different matter but I would be encouraged to hear that climate and sustainability are not just focus points in apprenticeships but woven through every single course so every single student will be fully equipped to deal with what is the most important issue of our time.