Mervyn Taylor
Question:80 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Education whether he has any proposals to extend the provision of technical education and its promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Technical Education.
In July, 1989, all second-level schools were informed of the intention to introduce a new Technology programme on a phased basis in a selected number of schools in the 1989-90 school-year, and to extend the option progressively in subsequent years to other schools. It was to be a developmental programme which would be amended or refined in the light of experience. The number of schools at present approved by the Department to include Technology in their programme is 148.
In the introduction of the Education Green Paper, I stated that throughout the second-level programme, at both Junior and Senior Cycles, there will be a major initiative to increase awareness of technology and enterprise among young people. A new subject, Enterprise and Technology studies, structured on a modular basis, would be mandatory for all students.
In addition it is proposed to develop a broader base of technical subjects at the Leaving Certificate Programme, the central feature of which is the study of technological subjects.
Proposals in the general area will be elaborated on in the Green Paper itself.