Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The presentations were really interesting and covered interesting subjects. I am torn about what to speak on because I would like to ask about so many things. I wanted to pick up on the intersectional issue. I was glad to see it named. There are gender equality issues and also layered issues. We talked about the changing of the secondary curriculum, its decolonisation, gender-proofing and examination. The story of science, technology and engineering tells itself. It is not just about who goes into them but also how the curriculum is changed to reflect, for example, Middle Eastern contributions to maths and science, which is the kind of thing that makes it different.

I am interested into the entry routes and also how STEM needs to and can change. I was struck by Dr. O'Sullivan saying that it is not just a workforce solution but about being part of changing solutions for the world. One issue in technology is not just what happens mechanically but how it fits with society and culture. For example, how do we change artificial intelligence so it is not discriminatory? Much needs to be considered. I am interested in the importance of having diversity in STEM and how it evolves. That links into Ms Sheridan's point about care, which is not just about caring professions, but care being recognised, much as we brought in empathy examinations for medicine.

We have focused on entry points. A good point was made about the lack of people coming from DEIS schools. What about those coming into education from the social welfare system? Anecdotally, women I know are often asked if they would think of taking a course to be a special needs assistant or in childcare, which reverses a two or three-year degree in a new science or engineering field. Will the witnesses comment on that route into education and what we need to do to make sure that women are given that opportunity, including women who may not even have done science subjects in their secondary school education?