Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on Senator Mulherin's contribution regarding anorexia. A debate on that issue would be very appropriate. We have all seen the issues in our communities as a result of it. There is also the issue of getting treatment through the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. That is a worthy debate which we should consider.

I wish to raise a fantastic project that was held in the audiovisual room by the I Wish campaign between 9. a.m. and 10 a.m. today. It is a unique campaign that was set up to encourage women in school to take up the STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - subjects. It has launched a survey and is trying to make us aware of the issues for females taking up science subjects. It is something we should debate with the Minister for Education and Skills. He attended the presentation this morning and it was welcome that he turned up. That 93% of teachers believe that confidence is a problem for the female population in school taking up science subjects is a major issue. We must grapple with it and find a solution. I hope a debate with the Minister in the Seanad would go some way towards setting out a template whereby we can increase female participation in science subjects. It is a worthy debate. I compliment the I Wish campaign. It is a unique campaign to visit the Oireachtas. It brought speakers and fourth year students from throughout the country. Hearing their stories was inspiring. We must move forward on this. We must invite the Minister to the Chamber and afterwards we must put a policy in place to deliver on this.