Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is Science Week, which takes place from 7 to 14 November. Creating our Future is a national conversation that is taking place. It has been great to see the broadcasters going to towns around the country in a few key areas trying to get good feedback from the public about current research that is taking place. We have had virtual Science Week with magicians and scientists and events happening all around the country. It is possible to log on and find an event happening close to where you are based. Events include coding for kids, DNA fingerprinting, Go Fly Your Kite in Cork, reptile superpowers in Celbridge, a bug doctor in Galway, a telescope tour in Birr, a science trail in Sligo, and Pint of Science with stand-up comedians in Tralee. There is something for everyone in there. It is also a great opportunity if you want to find out about careers because that is available with engineers and doctors this week. For fun, there is even a Science of Happiness event.

Science Week is bringing industry, colleges, schools and everyone together. It is important to note as well this week and with COP26 taking place that we had another historic first for Ireland, in particular for the Acting Leader. In east Galway, we had the first ever win for an Irish national school, Clontuskert, which won the climate action project school of excellence award. The children in the school, along with the incredible principal, Kate Murray, are real trailblazers, along with the teaching staff. They are becoming champions and advocates for change. They have a campaign to get rid of plastic on vegetables in supermarkets. The whole community in east Galway is so proud of this school, which has been winning awards for years, such as the Microsoft showcase school. It is a green flag school and also a digital school of distinction. As spokesperson for research, innovation and science, I am so proud this school has achieved such an award. It is a great primary school in east Galway having such an impact at a global level and driving change.