James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions she is taking to ensure gender balance in STEM education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40090/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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It is the aim of my Department that every child has access to equitable education and that each learner feels safe and happy in the school environment, at every stage. The curriculum at both primary and post-primary aims to foster inclusivity where equality and diversity are promoted.

The Department’s STEM Education Policy Statement 2017–2026, published in November 2017, sets out the ambitious goals and actions required to achieve and improve the STEM education experience and outcomes for all learners.

The Policy Statement acknowledges that there is a need to increase the uptake of STEM subjects and to enhance STEM learning for learners of all backgrounds, abilities and gender, with a particular focus on uptake by females.

To this end, the Gender Balance in STEM Advisory group was established in order to advise the STEM Education Implementation Advisory Group on actions relating to Gender Balance.

A Review of Literature to Identify a Set of Effective Interventions for Addressing Gender Balance in STEM in Early Years, Primary and Post-Primary Education Settings was commissioned under the auspices of the Department of Education by the Gender Balance in STEM group.

The report sets out what is known about critical barriers to girls’ participation in STEM education and STEM learning, while also highlighting effective interventions to increase participation of girls in STEM.

This report is a strong review of the key challenges and barriers to gender balance in STEM. It identifies that interventions are required across the STEM education ecosystem to affect change. The evidence set out in this literature review will inform actions under the second phase of the STEM Education Implementation Plan, with a view to addressing gender balance and increased overall participation in STEM. The literature review is a step towards developing evidence-based policy for gender balance in STEM.

My department is committed to enabling systemic change in order to address these barriers and create inclusive educational experiences for all learners.