Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis na finnéithe as teacht os comhair an choiste. In particular, I thank the Cathaoirleach for welcoming us in. This is my first education committee meeting. I will assume it is always only women who come before the committee and I will be expecting nothing less. I am aware that I have approximately six minutes, so I will try to keep to the point. This has been very interesting. As this is my first time at the education committee, if I do ask obvious questions, I hope those present will pay no heed. It has been fascinating to read these opening statements.

I have two questions for Dr. Marcus-Quinn. What she said in relation to the requirement for students to have their own devices was very interesting. She said that when the Department of Education embedded the use of technology into the junior cycle, the provision of adequate access to technology was not sufficiently considered in the budgets that were available to schools. She mentioned the Barnardos' survey. Of course, we are all aware of the outcomes of that particular survey. I am interested in hearing whether much analysis has been done on the socio-economic backgrounds of people who are going further into STEM.

There has been a gender-based analysis, but has there been an analysis of socioeconomic backgrounds, given the mention of cost?

Dr. Marcus-Quinn spoke about the tendering process for the purchase of devices. I focused on procurement previously. I understand that each school is considered its own contracting authority. Under EU public procurement regulations, we would be permitted a vehicle whereby schools could come together and contract. Dr. Marcus-Quinn mentioned that there was no tendering process that would allow for cost savings. What are her views on this matter?

Dr. Marcus-Quinn stated that Australia's 2008 Digital Education Revolution programme was worth considering. Will she provide further details on that?