Dr. Cathy Corcoran:

I wanted to come back to the access and representation that Deputy Clarke just spoke about. The mission of Women In Research Ireland is to give a voice to the under-represented. We extended our reach during lockdown because we were able to host our webinars, talks and panels online. It is about giving researchers from minority groups and the under-represented the opportunity to present their research to the public, through Women in Research Ireland's fora. That has been extremely well received and has obviously extended our reach. We find ourselves at the table in this meeting and very much appreciate that access. Someone mentioned not pulling up the ladder. In terms of giving people that equity opportunity and an opportunity to share their research in ways that extend the reach and audience, we all have a role to play in helping each other provide that access to and reach in research in these very important areas.

I also wanted to speak about the fundamental societal and financial impetus to solving the problems we have as a society, where we know there is a dearth of qualified and skilled folks available in certain sectors. It is a growing issue. We know that jobs will be out there ten years down the line. We need to reach students today in primary school to fill those roles, regardless of gender, starting with everything Ms Sheridan mentioned in her opening statement. In ensuring that those opportunities are amplified early and often and that opportunity is provided on the education side regardless of school type, in Ireland, we really need to put our shoulders to the wheel on this. It is an absolutely societal need we need to address in equity and opportunity.