Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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32. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the number of suitably qualified science and technical graduates to meet the continued requirements of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22626/20]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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This question relates to the ready availability of suitably qualified graduates, academic and technical, to meet the requirements of the workplace.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Durkan for the question. There is an exciting opportunity with the creation of this new Department. For the first time, we are bringing further and higher education together with research, innovation and science. This is an education Department but it is also a business Department. It is about trying to get those two working together. Education is about a lot more than just business but it is also important, as we invest more and more in education - and we need to do more - that we continue to ensure we produce the graduates and skills we need now and for the future.

The tertiary education system has a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands. These include policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified science and technical graduates, and initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally, with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. These strategies and initiatives include the National Skills Strategy 2025, Technology Skills 2022, Springboard+ and the human capital initiative.

Deputy Durkan will also be aware of the focus we put on this in the July stimulus package with investment in more places in these areas. We have allocated 1,450 additional higher education places this year specifically targeted at areas of keys and demand needs in the economy including in science, ICT and engineering. I could not agree more with the Deputy. I am satisfied the strategies are in place but as is always the case with strategies, it is about implementation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister satisfied that in future years the effect of Covid-19 will not materially affect the supply of qualified academic and technical graduates to the workplace?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that the great work done by the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the Department of Education and Skills ensured that this year we could have a calculated grades system that provided a pathway from second level education to third level education.

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That will ensure that the pipeline of high quality graduates in key areas continues and that there is not paralysis for a year, which is good. I am also encouraged by the fact that more and more young people are now talking about science and seeing science in action. More and more people want to be the next Professor Luke O'Neill, Professor Kingston Mills, Dr. Ronan Glynn or Dr. Tony Holohan. As we talk further about the pandemic and Covid and its impact, I hope a new generation will become excited to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, subjects. I also hope it will excite and encourage more women and girls to take up those places.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sin deireadh le ceisteanna chun an Aire breisoideachais agus ardoideachais, taighde, nuálaíochta agus eolaíochta. Nach iontach na hainmneacha atá ag na Ranna Stáit nua seo?