Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party)
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I thank our guests for their opening statements. Mr. Irwin mentioned baseline data in his opening statement. It seems as if we do not even have the baseline data at this point. I know he has done data analysis from surveys as to how many people are not taking up positions, and that analysis is welcome. Are we not where we need to be in order for the implementation plan to take its course? We cannot make data where there are no data available and we still need to get on with an implementation plan. What steps are needed to get those data?

I share many of the concerns and much of the enthusiasm that have been expressed. It is great to hear from three witnesses who have enthusiasm for STEM and teaching. It is clear that we are not on a par with our international colleagues when it comes to STEM. There are real inequalities with regard to who is getting access to STEM. It is not just about STEM teachers. It is also about access to other things, such as guidance counsellors, which we spoke about previously. We do not have enough STEM teachers or guidance counsellors to bring everybody together so students can see the real opportunities that will be available after they leave school.