Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of computer science graduates expected in 2012; the number of computer science graduates in 2011 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20660/12]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of electronic engineering graduates expected in 2012; the number of electronic engineering graduates in 2011 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20661/12]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of graduates expected from honours degree ICT undergraduate programmes in 2012; the number of graduates from these courses in 2011, 2010 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20662/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 to 69, inclusive, together. The data requested is provided in the following Table. Graduate data is not yet available for 2011. However, recent CAO data shows that the number of students expressing a first preference for Science courses (including Computing) at honours degree level (level 8) increased by 18.47% this year and over the five year period 2008-12, by a total of 63.5%. The number of 1st preference Computer Science applications increased by 20% from 2011 to 2012. The continued increase in demand for science related undergraduate programmes evident in recent years is starting to feed through into increased graduate output. This is an extremely positive development in the context the very significant employment and career opportunities that will continue to emerge for science and technology graduates and the targets set out in the joint Government-Enterprise ICT Skills Action Plan which I launched in January.