Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

The problem was identified over the past number of years and that is the reason we commissioned the expert group on future skills needs to examine the area. The group came forward with a report on future requirements for high-level skills in the ICT sector. Currently we have an upskilling co-ordination group and an interdepartmental committee, which I chair, working to bring about co-operation between the two Departments. They also aim to bring about an implementation plan for the national skills strategy. That work is continuing.

Figures just released show there has been a 20% increase in first-choice applications for science to the CAO for the forthcoming academic year. That said, we continue the work to deal with the situation. A number of Government actions are being taken to promote science, technology, mathematics and engineering, including various post-graduate programmes; the ICT champion programme; the discover science and engineering programme; and the project maths programme, which will yield great results and which was introduced by the Department of Education and Science on a pilot basis and will be rolled out nationwide. Measures have also been taken by the industry advisory group. We have too the national centre for excellence in maths and science, mathematics support centres and the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013. A number of recommendations are being implemented in that regard.

I assure the Deputy that the expert group on future skills needs has issued a document identifying shortages and what we need to do up to the year 2020. Measures are being taken to deal with the situation. The interdepartmental committee is finalising an implementation plan for the national skills strategy. Work is continuing and the various programmes have been put in place to deal with the situation.

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