Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Is the Minister satisfied there is enough investment in science at primary level? Is training for teachers and those directly involved up to international standards? There is a lack of resources to teach science at primary level. Some schools do not have the necessary space or facilities to teach science subjects effectively. Gaelscoil Colmcille in Whitehall in my constituency uses a football club as its premises. It creates a major difficulty in teaching science subjects and there is a lack of space in corridors and in the rooms. Will the Minister agree that science must be taught to pupils at a young age and that ensuring it is made a curriculum subject is an important part of the economic strategy for the further development of the country?

In regard to the Young Scientist of the Year competition, from her experience as a new Minister does she consider that standards, particularly in science subjects, among students have risen dramatically in the past three or four years? I welcome the fact that the falling number of young people becoming involved in the sciences has been reversed. We need to have a more focused emphasis on these students because science subjects are a major important strategy for the economic development of the State.

See this speech in context