Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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1282. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the drop in the number of students applying for third level courses in engineering and technology; her further views on the future impact it will have on the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13974/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I am fully cognisant of the need to focus on ensuring that the numbers of students being educated in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) match the skills needs of the economy in Ireland. I am working very closely with my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills to ensure we have the required pipeline of skills supply in terms of both quantity and quality to meet the current and future needs of the enterprise sector.  I am particularly pleased that there has been an increase in the level of uptake of STEM at second level according to Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). This has increased to 273,000 in 2016 compared to 253,000 in 2015.

I have noted the early indications of a drop in the number of students applying through the CAO to do third level courses in engineering and technology in 2017 as against 2016.  However, I note also that the number of students applying in 2017 (34,850) is similar to the numbers that applied in 2015 (35,210) and is higher than the number of students who applied in 2014 (32,444) and in 2013 (29,730).  We will continue to focus on promoting the opportunities in STEM-related careers over the coming months as students consider their options and aligned with the CAO change of mind timelines.   

In addition, I would draw the Deputy’s attention to a number of initiatives being undertaken by my Department and its Agencies to promote STEM careers. For example, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), an Agency under the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, leads the Smart Futures initiative, which focuses on driving awareness of careers in STEM at post-primary level.  It is a government-industry-education programme, which is co-ordinated and managed by SFI, in partnership with the Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme. It is supported by over 50 organisations from research and academia, as well as partners such as BioPharma Ireland, the Royal Society of Chemistry, ICT Ireland, the Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA), the Institute of Physics, the American Chamber of Commerce and many other stakeholder groups.  The smartfutures.ie website, developed as part of the programme is a rich information resource for students, teachers, parents and guidance counsellors providing information on the four streams under STEM (S – Science), (T – Technology), (E – Engineering) and (M- Maths) and the career pathways available to students. 

Separate to the Smart Futures Initiative, SFI continues to promote the advancement of STEM education and learning.  The Government’s National Skills Strategy was published in January 2016.  The Strategy identifies Ireland’s current skills profile, provides a strategic vision and specific objectives for Ireland’s future skills requirements, including in the STEM area and sets out a road map for how the vision and objectives can be achieved.  During the Strategy’s first year, progress has been made and a number of initiatives have been actioned, including: 

Action 18 - Increase support for the Smart Futures and SFI Discover programmes and build on success of initiatives including Student Enterprise Awards, CoderDojo, Science Week Ireland, BT Young Scientist. (Innovation 2020).

Smart Futures continuing ongoing activities with over 100,000 students engaged and over 1,600 role models trained over the first three year strategy. Women in STEM forum held in SFI to connect programmes targeting young females. Science Week audience reach broadened including two new regional festivals, an extensive programming schedule on RTÉ and a larger social media presence. Science Rising communications campaign delivered through 2016 highlighting the science of the everyday to Irish public. 42 projects supported through the SFI Discover programme call to promote and support STEM engagement and education of Irish public.

Action 28 - Work with the National Parents Councils for Primary and Post-Primary to disseminate skills and labour market information to parents in accessible formats.

SFI and National Parents Council completed a survey of primary school parents to inform activity.  A parents’ advice brochure has been developed. Parent information sessions have been delivered. Skills and labour market information aimed at parents are available on the Smart Futures website.

Action 62 - Working with industry volunteers and schools, seek to ensure every second level school is offered at least one school visit annually through the Smart Futures School Visit Programme.

Every school has been contacted and offered a visit. Every school may request a Smart Futures visit on the Smart Futures website. SFI attended student & teacher conferences and events e.g. BT Young Scientists Exhibition and TY Expo, advertising Smart Futures to teachers.

Action 113 - Increase enrolments of postgraduate researchers to address demand in the economy. (Innovation 2020).

Funding has been secured to increase activity across SFI programmes, most of which fund postgraduate researchers. SFI is designing a PhD programme to develop and enhance the skills of PhD students through cohort-based, discipline centric, PhD programmes to ensure the provision of a skilled in demand workforce to meet the demands of industry and academia.