Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am satisfied that the great work done by the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the Department of Education and Skills ensured that this year we could have a calculated grades system that provided a pathway from second level education to third level education.

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That will ensure that the pipeline of high quality graduates in key areas continues and that there is not paralysis for a year, which is good. I am also encouraged by the fact that more and more young people are now talking about science and seeing science in action. More and more people want to be the next Professor Luke O'Neill, Professor Kingston Mills, Dr. Ronan Glynn or Dr. Tony Holohan. As we talk further about the pandemic and Covid and its impact, I hope a new generation will become excited to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, subjects. I also hope it will excite and encourage more women and girls to take up those places.

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