Professor Lisa Looney:

The disadvantage is most acute in the context of that highest performing cohort translating and becoming our leaders in technology, development and innovation in the future. It is us leveraging to the greatest effect the capability that exists. If they are underperforming, that translates and carries into the next level. It was mentioned that we look at the additional needs of students, and often the focus is on one set of types of additional needs. Higher performing students also have additional needs, which is recognised formally. Whether that translates in practice to supports, I am less sure. In the Centre for Talented Youth in Ireland, CTYI, based in DCU, many of those high-performing students come on Saturdays, weekends and to summer schools to try to get extra support and the extra stretch. They are the kids who will become the leaders of the future in technology and STEM and will protect Ireland in many ways. The public good was mentioned. As a player internationally, whether in cybersecurity or the green transition, we need strong individuals with strong capabilities, entrepreneurial spirits etc., who are building on the high capability they have in mathematics.