Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will establish an implementation group for the task force on the physical sciences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12940/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Education and Science continues to progress the recommendations of the task force on the physical sciences as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Forfás and industry. One of the recommendations in that report was the appointment of a chief scientist who would have responsibility for overseeing developments under the task force and other science focused initiatives and providing advice on all aspects of science and technology policy. A chief science adviser and a deputy chief science adviser have been appointed and maintain continuing contact with my Department on implementation issues. The office of the chief science adviser works in conjunction with the interdepartmental committee for science, technology and innovation and the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Science and Technology. It is not intended, therefore, to establish an implementation committee for the task force report.

Significant progress has been made in a range of areas pertaining to my Department. For example, a new science curriculum has been introduced at primary level supported by a resource grant in December 2004 of €1,000 per school plus €10 per pupil and revised syllabi in junior certificate science and in leaving certificate physics, chemistry and biology have been introduced. Work on the revision of the two remaining leaving certificate subjects, agricultural science and physics and chemistry combined, is well advanced. The introduction of the revised syllabi has been supported by comprehensive in-service programmes for teachers; additional equipment grants have been provided to schools and laboratories continue to be refurbished as part of the ongoing schools building programme. In that context, €16 million was issued to schools in 2004 to support the implementation of the revised junior certificate science syllabus; a review of grading of subjects in the leaving certificate and initial reports on teacher training have been undertaken; a review of mathematics at post-primary level is being undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; and investment in the programme of research in third level institutes is continuing apace to enhance and promote world class standards in research, innovation and development. Between this programme and the various grants to the research councils, and other sources, an estimated €101.5 million will be invested in third level institutions in 2005.

The discover science and engineering programme, operated under the aegis of Forfás with the collaboration of the education sector, was launched in October 2003 to bring together existing science awareness activities in a unified strategy. I have recently announced a provision of €750,000 towards the cost of the BA Festival of Science which is being hosted by Trinity College this year. This is one of the world's leading science events and will be attended by 3,000 delegates, with an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people enjoying some part of the programme.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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In the last question, we discussed the overlap and the number of groups dealing with the third level grants. However, the situation is the same with the implementation of the science report. There seem to be a large number of groups trying to drive it forward, which they are failing to do. Does the Minister accept that it is the high quality of human skills, and their availability, which will determine whether companies invest here? Is the Minister aware that fewer students are choosing science as an option at third level even though the points have fallen quite dramatically? Why is the task force not being resourced sufficiently?

I accept a number of initiatives have been brought forward but the most hard-hitting and most important ones have not been driven forward with the pace required. I am disappointed the Minister will not set up an implementation group which was one of the foremost recommendations of the task force and was highlighted again by it earlier this month. Will she reconsider that decision? Will the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation review the state of science education on an annual basis, which was proposed in the task force report and which would be a good co-ordinating body to consider it?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy began by saying a number of different bodies were dealing with this issue and then went on to suggest there should be another body.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I suggested a co-ordinating body. The other bodies have different roles.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I do not believe we need another implementation group when we already have the Cabinet sub-committee, a chief science adviser, a deputy chief science adviser and an interdepartmental committee for science, technology and innovation. I will certainly not add another layer to look at this issue.

It is important to look at the teaching of science in schools. The numbers taking science subjects at leaving certificate level have improved. Some years ago, there were fewer students studying chemistry than physics but that has reversed. New science laboratories and investment in science is making a difference for schools and students.

I accept those skills will be needed by the economy. I met some of the major investors and major multinationals in this country which are concerned about the falling number of graduates not only in the strict science area, but also in the technology area. That is why the Government is taking such a serious approach to this issue and to research and investment in the programme for research in third level institutions, PRTLI, etc. By looking at syllabi and making them more attractive, which is happening, by investing in schools and by providing ongoing training for teachers, significant change is being brought about.

It will not be possible to implement some of the recommendations in the task force report as some involve considerable cost — for example, having a technician in every school. If we do that, every other practical subject will require an assistant and other European countries do not do that. Of the 35 recommendations of the task force referred to the Department of Education and Science, we are making progress on 25 of them.

Séamus Pattison (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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I remind the Minister and Deputies that questions, supplementary questions and answers are subject to a maximum time limit of one minute.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister have plans under the building programme to ensure good quality science laboratories in schools? I know a small amount of money was given to schools to implement the junior certificate science syllabus. Given the condition of some laboratories, it is a drop in the ocean. Will the Minister consider that under the building programme as a side issue rather than wait for a school to apply for large-scale development? Can the provision of science laboratories be prioritised?

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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What about Midleton CBS?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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New schools and major extensions get such funding. In addition, curricular change is included under the summer works scheme and schools can get laboratories under that. We spent €60 million on summer works this year but I hope next year we will be able to do more under curricular work as well.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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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.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I accept what the Deputy said about the skills of our young people, particularly those who have participated in the Young Scientist of the Year exhibition, having been an exhibitor fadó, fadó.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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How did the Minister get on?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Their success in international competitions is certainly to their credit. Gaelscoil Colmcille decided to set up in a football club. If a school wants to establish itself in a football club, it must realise the restrictions under which it will have to operate. The building needs of that school are currently being considered.

We are spending €500 million on the schools building programme this year to ensure that people can respond to the curriculum. There has been a huge welcome for the primary school science curriculum. All primary teachers are able to get support for its introduction. Extra funding was given to them. The teachers involved and the children find the subject very exciting. It is a good basis from which to move forward to respond to our skills needs.