Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the importance of private sponsorship in encouraging the development of science and technology subjects; and the efforts he is making to ensure schemes such as the BT Young Scientist Award are replicated. [2973/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I would like to acknowledge the important sponsorship, both financial and in human resource input provided by BT to the Young Scientist competition. Industry in Ireland has engaged extensively with education at all levels. The Discover Science programme, the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme, Smart Futures, Chemistry in the Classroom, ICT Champions, are all examples of programmes supported by indusry which encourage students to explore the world of science, technology, maths and engineering.

Project Maths which is under way in all second level schools, is being supported by an industry-education partnership implementation support group. An ICT Steering Group, led by Paul Rellis, head of Microsoft Ireland represents stakeholders including teachers, parents, industry, relevant Government Departments and students, and advises on ICT in schools.

There are many other examples, such as the role of the County Enterprise Boards in promoting Student Enterprise Awards, the Young Social Innovators Programme, and the Business in the Community initiative under which corporate and public enterprises work together to support the education sector. I believe such partnerships are essential to enrich the curriculum and give practical relevance to the ongoing work of schools.