Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 734: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of graduates in engineering between the years 1990 and 2005, inclusive, in universities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10163/06]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 735: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of computer programme graduates between the years 1990 and 2005, inclusive, in universities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10164/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 734 and 735 together.

The expert group on future skills needs was established by the Government in late 1997 and among its objectives is to identify the skills needs of different sectors and to advise on the actions needed to address them. The priority skill needs of the economy are being identified on an ongoing basis through the expert group and relevant education and training provision is assessed in light of its recommendations.

Discover Science and Engineering, DSE, is a national marketing and awareness campaign that aims to increase interest in science, technology, innovation and engineering among students, teachers and members of the public. Its mission is to contribute to Ireland's continued growth and development as a society that has an active and informed interest and involvement in science, engineering and technology. Its overall objectives are to increase the numbers of students studying the physical sciences, promote a positive attitude to careers in science, engineering and technology and to foster a greater understanding of science and its value to Irish society.

The DSE programme was developed in response to a key recommendation of the task force on the physical sciences. This called for a co-ordinated effort to increase interest in science and encourage young people to consider science as a viable career option. DSE was launched in October 2003. It brings together many science, engineering, technology and innovation awareness activities that were previously managed by different bodies, public and private. DSE aims to build and expand on these activities and to deliver a more focused strategic and quantifiable awareness campaign. It is managed by Forfás on behalf of the office of science and technology at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

I am including for the Deputy's information a table giving the statistics available for both these disciplines in the university sector.

The following additional table details the reclassification of some engineering graduates as computing and IT graduates.

This new category consists of students pursuing courses in computer science and information technology. Also included are courses where one of these subjects is a major component such as information systems, informatics-electronics, computing with a language, and computing and business. Students taking computer science as an option in an undenominated science degree in the NUI colleges are not included, with the exception of UCC. These students remain classified under science. Also excluded are students on computer engineering courses, which are classified under engineering. Prior to 1996-97, students in this new category were mainly classified under science, engineering and commerce.