Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has rejected the recommendation made by the task force report regarding the need to make provision for laboratory technicians and assistants in second level schools; if so, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4851/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The recommendation made by the Task Force on the Physical Sciences in relation to providing laboratory technicians/assistants in second-level schools, was costed, in 2002 prices, 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 believe that the provision of lab assistants 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 Deputy 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.