Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that only a quarter of secondary schools here are adequately equipped to teach science. [19951/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I would disagree with the suggestion that only a quarter of secondary schools are adequately equipped to teach science. As part of the multi-annual school building programme my Department has invested heavily in modernising school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Typically this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science. Additionally I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences.

My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 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. In the application for funding under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme post-primary schools were 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 could be given to approving these projects for 2006. I approved funding for 26 such projects under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme. The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to take a proactive approach in the provision of the necessary facilities for the teaching of science in schools.