Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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144. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the STEM education policy statement has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26140/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The STEM Report, whose focus is on primary and post-primary education, was published in November 2016 by the STEM Education Review Group under the chairmanship of Professor Brian MacCraith.  This report drew upon the expertise of many individuals and organisations and involved significant consultation with a broad range of stakeholders.  I welcomed the Report and have prioritised 21 of the 47 actions identified in it.

Work is now underway in my Department on the preparation of a STEM Education Policy Statement and implementation plan.  A STEM Steering Group has been established by my Department and consists of DES representatives and a range of external stakeholders.  The role of the steering group is to support the development of the policy statement and implementation plan.   A consultation process is ongoing in this regard and includes an online consultation facility, consultations with learners and parents and with stakeholders.  There is a commitment in the Action Plan for Education to produce the STEM Education policy statement and implementation plan during Q2 2017.