Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A couple of issues came up in conversation with some of the witnesses at last week's meeting. What specifically intrigued me was the issue of primary education and primary school teachers. Dr. Freeman's generation might be more aware of STEM, although I do not want to be ageist in any way. Her comment to Deputy O'Callaghan about how some toys go to certain cohorts was interesting. Girls buy dolls and boys buy football games or whatever - there are different examples. How does Dr. Freeman feel we can - I am going to be careful here - inform primary school teachers about the importance of STEM subjects?

It was quite interesting last week where there were conflicting views on how to do that, with some of the witnesses pushing views on what subjects children should pick in the future while others said we should inform them at a young age of what subjects to take and encourage them to take STEM subjects. I would be interested in the witnesses views, if they understand where I am coming from.