Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concerns surrounding the failure to implement the teaching of engineering technology and architectural technology, which are two of the four redesigned technology subjects in the engineering and technology syllabus that are supposed to be taught at leaving certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34866/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Revised Leaving Certificate syllabi were submitted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in relation to the four Leaving Certificate technology subjects in 2004. Two of these subjects, Technology and Design and Graphic Communications were introduced in September 2007. The remaining two subjects, Leaving Certificate Engineering Technology and Architectural Technology are awaiting implementation.

Both subjects require significant investment in equipment and professional development for teachers, and the resources for this are not available at the current time. The major priorities for the present government are to proceed with the maths and Irish reforms which are under way, to strengthen literacy and numeracy, and reform junior cycle provision to allow for greater creativity and innovation, embedding key skills and addressing curriculum overload.

While I agree that it would be desirable to implement the revised Leaving Certificate Engineering Technology and Architectural Technology curricula, it is also essential to have sustained and cumulative reductions in public expenditure over the coming years.