Dr. Patrick Prendergast:

A lot more can indeed be done. I also thought that decision was wrong at the time. I was provost of Trinity College Dublin when it was made. Of course, there was a financial challenge and the Government had to do what it had to do, but it was not very just in the sense that many middle class parents can afford to get career guidance separately, or get a consultant or whatever, whereas many from socio-economically challenged backgrounds might not. They were dependent on the school career guidance teacher and, when he or she disappeared, had no guidance, especially in STEM subjects. Many people understand what a teacher or lawyer does, but they might not understand what a pharmaceutical technologist is. A lot of the STEM subjects are that bit more difficult for parents to give advice to their children on. That is where the career guidance teacher comes in and why it is so important to give specific career guidance on STEM subjects these guidance counsellors were able to provide.

I am happy to say I am giving a talk next week at Enniscorthy Community College. I was provost of Trinity for ten years and they never invited me but as soon as I became chair of SETU I got the invitation to Enniscorthy. I am delighted to accept it. I will be there next week.