Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

In the last question, we discussed the overlap and the number of groups dealing with the third level grants. However, the situation is the same with the implementation of the science report. There seem to be a large number of groups trying to drive it forward, which they are failing to do. Does the Minister accept that it is the high quality of human skills, and their availability, which will determine whether companies invest here? Is the Minister aware that fewer students are choosing science as an option at third level even though the points have fallen quite dramatically? Why is the task force not being resourced sufficiently?

I accept a number of initiatives have been brought forward but the most hard-hitting and most important ones have not been driven forward with the pace required. I am disappointed the Minister will not set up an implementation group which was one of the foremost recommendations of the task force and was highlighted again by it earlier this month. Will she reconsider that decision? Will the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation review the state of science education on an annual basis, which was proposed in the task force report and which would be a good co-ordinating body to consider it?

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