Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the Action Plan for Education 2018 can achieve its targets for STEM education in view of the fact that difficulties already exist in recruiting teachers of science and physics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22206/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In November 2017 I launched a STEM Policy Statement and Implementation Plan, which aims to make Ireland the best in Europe in STEM by 2026. The Statement focusses on the many strengths in STEM education in Ireland while providing a roadmap to address the areas for development.

I recognise that the achievement of our STEM goals will rely greatly on the availability of suitably qualified teachers to meet our schools' needs. In that regard, the Deputy may be aware that I announced earlier this year, following consultation with the Irish Universities Association, an expansion of the number of places on post primary teacher education courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in priority areas, with many of these extra places in STEM subjects.

I convened the first meeting of the Teacher Supply Steering Group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, on 26th March 2018. The Group met again last month.

The Group will consider the issues that impact on teacher supply and oversee a programme of actions according to strict timelines and clear deliverables to meet important needs. This will include actions aimed at ensuring that the output from the HEIs in terms of newly qualified teacher numbers and subject specialisms matches the needs of the school system as determined by national policies, including the STEM policy.

In undertaking its task, the Group will be cognisant of the requirement that all persons wishing to teach in recognised schools must meet the professional registration standards and criteria set by the Teaching Council, which is the professional regulatory body for the teaching profession.