Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding which will be provided in 2010 for the Steps engineering programme which is provided by an association (details supplied); if she will provide a commitment that the decision on funding for 2010 will be made early in order that the service which is provided to approximately 65,000 primary school children can be organised in a timely fashion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38017/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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STEPS to Engineering was established in 2000 to encourage primary and post primary students to explore the world of science and engineering. The programme is managed by Engineers Ireland and is supported by my Department, the Department of Education and Science, Forfas, FAS and a number of major engineering employers.

The programme aims to redress the shortage of engineers in Ireland by: · Increasing public awareness of the value of the engineering profession as a career · Making information available on engineering as a career for all interested parties · Initiating and developing projects that will encourage more students to study SET related subjects at school/college · Highlight the advantages, diversity, opportunities and excellent rewards offered by a career in the engineering profession · Introduce students to science and show the links with engineering

In 2009 my Department, through the National Training Fund, provided €300,000 to STEPS to Engineering to fund continuing professional development. The STEPS programme is also a key element of Discover Science and Engineering (DSE), the Government's national science and engineering awareness programme managed by Forfas which aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among students, teachers and members of the public. DSE provided €350,000 in support funding to STEPS in 2009. Additionally, my colleague the Minister for Education and Science has informed me that his Department provided a grant of €65,000 to STEPS in 2009.

Funding for this programme in 2010 will be considered as part of the 2010 Estimates process and I will endeavour to ensure timely decisions are reached