David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions he has taken or will take to encourage female participation in science based careers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13766/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The overall investment in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 is predicated on the basis of equal access to opportunities arising for careers in Research and Development.

There are complex historical, cultural and social factors militating against proportionate take up by women of science-based careers. For example, re-establishing oneself following a period of absence from the research field is a significant structural barrier. For these reasons the agencies and bodies with a Science and Technology competence under the aegis of my Department support additional dedicated programmes or initiatives to enhance potential participation by women.

My Department has also developed a sustained and positive partnership with WITS (Women in Technology and Science), the independent organisation which fosters and supports increased participation by women in careers in science and technology.

Science Foundation Ireland

SFI encourages both men and women equally to participate in its research programmes on the criteria of scientific expertise, knowledge and potential. Three dedicated programmes were introduced in 2005 with the objective of increasing take up by women of careers as researchers:

(i) The SFI Principal Investigator Career Advancement Award

This award supported researchers returning to pursue their career subsequent to a period of time spent on childcare. The Award was a pilot measure and SFI is currently examining how elements of this programme could be merged into other award programmes.

(ii) The SFI Institute Planning Grant and Institute Development Awards

These awards constituted a linked two-stage programme. The Institution Planning Grant provided research institutions with support to conduct a self-assessment of women's participation in science and engineering research activity and management. The follow-on Institute Development Award provided support for institutions which had carried out the self-assessment to implement initiatives to support the enhancement of women's participation in science and engineering.

(iii) The SFI Young Women in Engineering Scholarship

This award, supported by Dell, aims to attract and encourage more young women into designated third-level education courses in engineering disciplines.

InterTradeIreland

My Department supports InterTradeIreland's Re-Enter Programme, an all-island structured return to work programme for women scientists, engineers and technologists. This programme integrates educational, mentoring and networking dimensions.

Discover Science and Engineering

DSE, Ireland's national science promotion programme, aims inter alia to increase take up of science and engineering at third level. All its programme literature seeks to feature both females and males equally so as to clearly communicate that careers in science and engineering are equally available to both sexes.