Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I must admit, I am aware of it only because the Deputy has kindly brought it to my attention, for which I thank him. I have asked my officials to provide me with a viewpoint on it in the context of our overall work on the importance of mathematics and of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, in general and the needs of our students, our economy and our society. I will revert to the Deputy on that matter.

Developing a strong supply of science, technology, engineering and maths graduates is critical to Ireland's positioning as a world-class centre of research and innovation and to supporting high-growth sectors such as ICT, life sciences and business and financial services. My Department is committed to raising awareness of maths and other STEM disciplines, ensuring a strong pipeline of suitable graduates and supporting research and innovation in these areas. Raising awareness of STEM, including maths, is a critical enabler to all our work in this area.

I am pleased to say that last March I announced a national investment of €5.2 million through Science Foundation Ireland's Discover programme. The funding supports 49 public engagement and education initiatives that aim to promote and improve public awareness and understanding of science, technology, engineering and maths and to engage a wide audience of people with STEM topics. SFI also supports awareness-raising of science and science careers through the Discover primary science and maths and smart futures programmes.

The availability of qualified teachers is also critical, as the Deputy will know. Last April, the Minister for Education and I announced additional places for 2022 on programmes to upskill registered post-primary teachers to teach more subjects, including mathematics. I detect a real yearning for this from the profession. I visited the DCU school of education recently to discuss this. I am pleased to say that significant progress has been made over recent years in increasing graduate output in STEM disciplines, including maths. In addition to mainstream programmes, there has been significant provision of relevant skills through Springboard+ and the human capital initiative. My Department's science funding agency, Science Foundation Ireland, also supports our STEM talent and skills pipeline in a number of ways, including by funding fourth level master's and PhD students, early career researchers and more established, world-leading researchers.

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