Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a general question on leaving certificate reform. How do people think that should look in terms of subjects? If we reformed the leaving certificate, what would science and maths look like?

When we talk about STEM, in my opinion, we are talking about gender equality and equality in general. I see very little opportunity for people from minority groups. Here I am again at the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science talking about the others. Where is Traveller participation or that of migrants, refugees and people with disabilities? What does it look like for those students to have equal access and be supported? It is one thing for a member of the Traveller community to go on and complete the leaving certificate or even complete primary school, and it is different again going to secondary school. What supports are available for young members of the Traveller community to participate in STEM? In 2023, how can we break down the cultural barriers to women participating in these courses or subjects? What do we need to do as a State to encourage more participation by minority groups and, of course, people with disabilities, in science subjects? I spoke previously in this committee about the digital divide and the gap between poor and rich children being able to access technology. One story that struck me was about a Traveller woman who had to use one tablet during the pandemic for five of her children and that of another Traveller woman who had to use her own phone for three of her children. Although we like to think we are closing the gap in the digital divide, I do not think we are on the ground. If we want children to participate in science subjects and want them to take part, how do we support them? One shoe does not fit every child.

I agree with the science centre for young children and the participation of youngsters because you are never too young, but that starts at home and the supports parents need to encourage their children to take on maths, science, computer science, whatever it may be, because it starts from a young age and develops on. Will the witnesses comment on those remarks? I am very interested in leaving certificate reform and what it would look like.