Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The EU Commission's report in terms of reading, maths and science is based on the PISA 2009 results. These showed a significant deterioration in the performance of 15 year olds in Ireland in Mathematics and Reading vis a vis earlier years. Ireland's performance in Mathematics ranked as just below the OECD average, and Reading was at the OECD average. In science, Ireland's score is significantly above the OECD average and is the same mean score as reported in PISA 2006.

The fall in standards has not been corroborated by evidence from other surveys and must be treated with some caution. Changes in the profile of students, survey fatigue, and the chance inclusion of some very low performing schools were seen by international experts to be factors which partly explain the change.

A major programme of reform under Project Maths is currently under way in all second level schools supported by comprehensive investment in professional development for teachers. My Department is also currently finalising a National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. In science, revised syllabuses were introduced in primary level and in junior cycle in 2003, and the NCCA is currently engaging in a public consultation process on revised syllabuses in Leaving Certificate Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Enhancements to the teaching and learning of science are being supported by the professional development services for teachers and the Discover Science and Engineering Programme.

In technology, €116.4 million has been invested in 2009 and 2010 under the Schools ICT programme to provide infrastructure, professional development for teachers, digital content and broadband services. This is being supplemented by a wide range of adult learning options in ICT provided locally by schools and VECs.