Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to upgrade science facilities in second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27315/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Capital funding is being provided under the school building and modernisation programme 2005-2009 for the refurbishment of science laboratories undertaken as part of an overall refurbishment programme of second level schools, for the upgrading of science facilities exclusively or by provision of new facilities in the case of newly built or extended schools. Additionally, I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the sciences.

The Department of Education and Science spent in excess of €13 million in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised junior science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Additional funding was made available to schools where other specified equipment was required. In addition, certain schools identified as needing new or refurbished science laboratories as a result of a 1998 national survey received funding. Funding is also available this year to schools that have yet to apply for the basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory and for other specified equipment to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Schools have also received funding under the summer works scheme in 2004 and 2005 to refurbish science laboratories. Funding will be made available under the 2006 summer works scheme for science and technology upgrades.

In the application for funding, post-primary schools have been asked to specifically identify and provide details of any science and technology upgrade or refurbishment projects separate from any other projects being applied for so that consideration can be given to approving these projects for 2006. The closing date for receipt of applications is 14 October 2005.

Following the report of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science, the then Minister for Education and Science established a task force on the physical sciences to address the declining uptake of the physical sciences. The task force reported in March 2002. The report identified six action areas, including planning and resources; equity, teaching and learning; curriculum and assessment; promotion of science; transition and integration into third level. The Department of Education and Science continues to progress the recommendations of the task force as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Forfás and industry.

Significant progress has been made in a range of areas pertaining to the Department of Education and Science. 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; a 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. 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. 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.

Under 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 made a provision of €750,000 towards the cost of the BA Festival of Science, one of the world's leading science events, hosted by Trinity College Dublin this year.