Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I wholeheartedly agree with all the points the Deputy makes. While we have made a significant start to the process of improving understanding of mathematics generally, we have a long way to go in that regard. As the Minister of State with responsibility for training and skills, I have been informed repeatedly by individuals involved in information technology and computing that the sector is experiencing significant skills shortages. Many of those in the industry impress on me that people do not need to have a computer science degree, master's degree or PhD to secure employment in the sector. A significant number of vacancies have arisen for people who do not have in-depth knowledge of information and communications technology. Many opportunities are presenting for young unemployed people to engage in training for six months to one year which would allow them to pursue sustainable, long-term careers in the ICT and computing sector.

I concur with Deputy O'Donovan that we need to examine the teaching of mathematics across primary, post-primary and tertiary education. I was fortunate to meet a number of social entrepreneurs from all over the world at a recent event in Dublin Castle called Change Nation. I was particularly taken with one gentleman, Dr. John Mighten, a teacher of mathematics in Canada who has devised a new way of teaching maths in Canadian schools known as JUMP Math. The Deputy may wish to browse the very interesting JUMP Math website. Dr. Mighten's system recognises that all children have talents when it comes to understanding mathematics and seeks to avoid coming to conclusions, as has happened in many schools, much too early in the lives of children that they are either good or bad at mathematics. He takes the view that we are all very good at mathematics initially and if this talent is nurtured, we can remain good at maths for our entire lives.

I am examining the JUMP Math programme and working with a number of individuals in NUIG to ascertain whether it would be possible to roll out one or two pilot projects for the programme. The results in Canada, the United States and Brixton in the United Kingdom have been astounding and I look forward to applying them in this country.

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