Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

I am delighted to hear that. It is a practical example of how we can enthuse schoolchildren. The bus, which contains science laboratories and the expertise to use them, travels to schools that do not have such laboratories. When the bus was running, there was a two-year waiting list of schools that wanted a visit by it. It ignites children's interest in science. I can recall from my school days that an interest in an area could be ignited and even lead to a career.

Furthermore, these are the skills the economy needs. It is acknowledged - the Minister of State will be familiar with the relevant figures - that we have a shortage of science graduates and that it will generate problems in a few years, just as we are trying to keep this country within the knowledge economy.