Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply, but I am a little disappointed. I admire the work being done in the STEM area and acknowledge the focus the Department has put on it. I have a little girl aged 14 years and I am well aware of the focus on STEM in the education system. However, this is low hanging fruit. I am sometimes critical of the Internet and the effect it might have on young people, but this is a global social network for highly gifted students to be mentored and network among each other. If the Minister of State does not mind, I will pursue the Department and keep in touch in this regard. In recent weeks the United Kingdom, China, Qatar, Kuwait, Serbia and Nigeria have joined the alliance. I fail to understand why Ireland will not do so and will not sent representatives to attend the launch at the United Nations in September because it is for the good of young people.