Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two observations on that. Gender in STEM was a big issue for our witnesses, along with the importance of apprenticeships. The witnesses were regularly asked when STEM subjects should be introduced to a child. Some replied it should be in secondary school, whereas others disagreed and said it should be in primary school. The question was answered by my daughter when she was watching something science-related on YouTube. She told me she had done what was on the video in school some months earlier and that it was great fun. That is what STEM should be about at that age.

An issue that arose – it is one for the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley – is that there should be dedicated classrooms for STEM subjects. I realise there are accommodation challenges in schools but the classrooms would give every opportunity to all children, especially in bigger primary schools.