Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on whether Ireland's international reputation in terms of science and technology is currently at its highest ever level across a wide range of objective measures and if he would, in view of this, explain his comment on 6 March that he believes that the rebuilding of this reputation is needed. [7741/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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On 6 April I announced a call seeking proposals for the Dublin City of Science programme of events in 2012. Dublin City of Science 2012 is a highly prestigious event that was won in the face of stiff competition. At a time when Ireland's reputation has suffered several years of negative coverage, the success of this type of event, can, I believe, go towards rebuilding our reputation. While we continue to see poorer than average performances in Science and Maths at Leaving Cert level there are many success stories that deserve greater promotion and publicity. In this regard I intend to use the City of Science Event to:

- provide a platform to showcase the best of Irish science and research across all disciplines;

- boost the international standing of Ireland as a leading centre for scientific and research excellence and to provide a framework to demonstrate the world class research system that we have built over the last decade; and,

- promote careers in science, technology engineering and maths among prospective students and their parents. The call that I announced seeks proposals for a year long programme of events to engage the public in these disciplines.