Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

878. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to support more girls to take STEM subjects in school. [19357/25]

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

879. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to support more students to enter STEM subjects in school. [19359/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 878 and 879 together.

I can advise the Deputy that the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and digital learning within our education system is a key priority for the Department of Education, and is reflected in multiple strategy documents, such as the STEM Education Policy Statement, Digital Strategy for Schools, and the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy.

The STEM Education Policy Statement 2017–2026 aims to nurture STEM from an early age. It helps students build key skills like curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, and persistence. These skills are essential in today’s digital world.

The policy also aims to increase the number of students taking STEM subjects. It focuses on improving STEM learning for all students, regardless of background, ability, or gender. There is a strong focus on encouraging more girls to study STEM.

Curriculum reform is ongoing with a new primary STEM curriculum to be launched in the 2025/2026 school year.

Students taking the established Leaving Certificate programme must take at least five subjects. English, Mathematics and Irish are the core subjects for all students, except for those students who have an exemption from Irish. The range of subjects offered by an individual school is a matter for the school and will vary in accordance with the teaching resources in the school and the needs and interests of the students.

Over the past three years, actions have aimed to improve the STEM education experience and outcomes for all learners in early learning and care up to post-primary school level. Some of the work undertaken is as follows.

My Department is working with Research Ireland to support STEM education and public engagement projects across the country through the Discover Programme. In 2024, the Department funded eight projects, including the All-Ireland STEM Passport.The STEM Passport for Inclusion is a joint effort by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Research Ireland, and the Department of Education. This programme aims to give everyone—no matter their gender, background, or circumstances—equal access to STEM education and job opportunities. Between 2025 and 2026, over 5,000 students will take part in the programme.

Other projects in the Discover Programme, like MathsMinds: Inspiring STEM Futures, bring together primary school teachers, maths education researchers, STEM professionals, and eLearning designers. They work together to tackle gender-related issues in maths education through a Research Practice Partnership.

The Department also ensures that gender balance, equity, diversity, and inclusion shape the national curriculum. These values guide all education policies, strategies, and teaching resources, including the updated primary school curriculum.

To help students explore different post-school opportunities, especially in STEM, professional learning events for guidance counsellors are delivered My Department is also working on resources to help children and their parents/guardians understand STEM subjects and related careers as they transition from primary to secondary school.

My Department in collaboration with BioPharmaChem Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and STEM South West have undertaken a Schools STEM Industry Engagement survey to identify any gaps in provision with a view to ensuring that all schools are equally supported to access industry supported STEM programmes. Results of this survey will be published later this year.

To support more learners in choosing STEM subjects, we will continue to build awareness, providing engaging learning experiences, and promoting equal access for all.

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

880. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students taking biology, chemistry and physics, by gender, in tabular form. [19360/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Please find attached requested information.

Please note that data provided is for the 2023-2024 academic year. We hope to publish subject data for academic year 2024-2025 in June 2025. Data is taken from the post-primary online database for pupils taking Biology, Chemistry and Physics in either the Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Vocational programmes.