Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 1046: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has received representations from the Irish Sciences Teachers Association, Pharmachem Ireland, The Institute of Physics, the ASTI and the TUI to make provision for the employment of laboratory technicians and assistants in all second level schools in order to enhance the quality of science education and increase the participation rate in line with Government stated policy and the commitments to science research at third level as evidenced by the pro-activities of Science Foundation Ireland; the estimated cost of the provision of laboratory technicians and assistants for every second level school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2299/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 1048: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position of the provision of laboratory technicians in each second level institution; if the provision of the technicians has been resolved; if not, when it is envisaged that it will happen; the number of schools that have such technicians; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2365/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 1046 and 1048 together.

My Department does not allocate provision for laboratory technicians/assistants in second level schools. The recommendation made by the Task Force Report in this area, in 2002 prices, was costed at €18.8m annually. The current cost of such provision is estimated at c.€24.6m for science subjects only, but could exceed €120m annually if applied to other practical subjects. While I have made it clear that I am not yet convinced of the need for lab assistants and that I believe that their provision would lead to demands for similar assistance in other subjects with a strong practical component, the Government is committed under the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation to re-visit the issue in the light of available resources. However, at the current time, resources for this are not available.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 to 2013 sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning and improve the uptake of senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. These include ensuring that the project based hands-on investigative approach now in place at junior cycle is extended to senior cycle, that the appropriate type of assessment is used and that there is an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society.

Other aspects of the Plan include reviewing the implementation of the primary science curriculum to ensure its effectiveness in stimulating interest and awareness in science at a very young age; strengthening teacher training in this area; reforming maths and Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry curricula; promotion of science initiatives in Transition Year; and the provision of information and brochures on science opportunities and careers, linking effectively with school guidance services.

Taken together, the comprehensive set of measures provided for in the SSTI will build on the improvements made in recent years and ensure even greater support for science education.