Vol. 511 No. 6
74 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will enter into discussions with an organisation (details supplied) which is working to encourage more young women to take hard science courses in maths, physics and chemistry to address the skills shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25066/99]
118 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will enter into discussions with an organisation (details supplied) which is working to encourage more young women to take hard science courses in maths, physics and chemistry to address the skills shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25105/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 118 together.
I fully share Women in Technology's belief that encouraging more young women to study hard science courses, would prepare them to pursue high level careers in science and technology. The under-representation of women in this sector is of serious concern to the Government not only for equality reasons, but also because the economy urgently needs the skills of women to help address the skills shortage.
This is not solely an Irish problem. Other EU member states are experiencing similar difficulties and Ireland is participating in an EU examination of the matter. I would be pleased to meet WITs to discuss this issue further.
