Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is committed to investing in project maths and his plans for improving the way in which maths and science are taught. [14514/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I am committed to investment in Project Maths. The initiative is designed to encourage better understanding of mathematics, to reinforce its practical relevance to everyday life, and to ensure better curriculum continuity across the system. Project Maths began in all schools in September 2010 building on the experiences of 24 schools which started the initiative in September 2008. It is being supported by a comprehensive programme of professional development for teachers which began in 2009 for mainstream schools and will continue to at least 2013. My Department will also be tendering shortly for the provision of post graduate programmes in maths for teachers.

In science, a new junior cycle syllabus was implemented on a phased basis since 2003 and provides a strong emphasis on practical investigative approaches. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is currently engaging in a public consultation on revised draft Leaving Certificate syllabuses in Biology, Physics and Chemistry which are designed to extend these approaches to senior cycle. The Government is committed to an agenda of reform in this area to strengthen Ireland's competitiveness, supported by the work of the professional development services for teachers and the Discover Science and Engineering programme.