Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to take part in this discussion. It is not a debate because most people are of one mind on the importance of science and the welcome role Science Week plays in connecting young people to the area of science. A wide range of events are taking place, with nearly 1,000 events listed on the website. Schools and libraries in County Meath are hosting a considerable number of events.

Last week a 16 year old transition year student was in my office to gain work experience. She raised an issue that I thought had gone away some time ago, namely, the attitude towards the teaching of physics and chemistry in girls' schools. They are seen as boys' subjects, whereas biology is seen as a girl's subject. I had believed those days were gone. My recollection of chemistry and physics is that they were difficult subjects. I often recommended people not to pursue them if they were simply looking for leaving certificate points because there were easier options. However, they are also important subjects. I would like to see an examination carried out of where physics and chemistry are taught and whether statistical evidence is available to suggest they are less likely to be taught in girls' schools. The person with whom I spoke thought it was disgraceful that physics, in particular, was not always made available in schools. In some schools a choice is offered in the junior cycle between arts and music, on the one hand, and science subjects, on the other. If one takes that option at an early stage, one's educational options are being closed to further development. Students' intellects and interests develop rapidly during their years in secondary school. This is an issue the Department of Education and Skills could easily investigate. If a significant number of girls are not being offered physics and chemistry because of an outdated culture in their schools, it would be a shame and a disgrace. Many of these girls are equally as good as, if not better than, their male counterparts. The aforementioned person was involved in CoderDojo outside her school and is fascinated by computing and physics. She wants to work in that area, but it may not be possible for her to do so in the context of the subjects she can take in school. We have a challenge to ensure these sexists attitudes do not prevail because they will only hold the country back. I would be concerned if my daughter was restricted to a choice between artistic and science subjects from an early age.

I wish those involved in national Science Week well and hope those who will participate in events will benefit from them.

The are many positive aspects to participation, with great enjoyment and learning to be had in making discoveries, doing experiments and making some mistakes. Participation could also be of benefit to students in securing employment in the future, which is a practical consideration as things stand in this country. Above all, however, science is about discovery, about finding out how things work at all levels of human existence and experience. I support and encourage the Minister of State in his efforts in this area.