Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I reassure the Deputy that we are not falling behind, in the sense that at third level we are at the top in Europe in terms of the take-up of STEM. Our performance in the recent PISA results in both mathematics and science is very strong but there is room for improvement. The Deputy is correct to recognise that this is an area where action is needed. Recently Brian MacCraith produced recommendations on integrating STEM into the education system and I have committed to publish a response within the first half of this year and to follow it up with actions. A total of 21 of the recommended actions he has advocated are being put in place. I share the Deputy's view that if we can at all, we must accelerate the process, but we must be conscious that quality is crucial at the end of the day.

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