Vol. 471 No. 8
93 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education if she was pleased that Ireland was the third highest EU country in the worldwide international maths and science study; her views on the measures, if any, which could be implemented to improve our 13 year olds' 10th world ranking in science and 12th ranking in maths. [22388/96]
I am pleased that Ireland performs well in international surveys of achievement in mathematics and science. Actions which are being undertaken in order to improve standards include in-career development programmes for teachers and the on-going review of the curriculum in mathematics and science in primary and second-level schools. The curriculum for primary schools which is under review at present will have a new emphasis on science.
There has been a threefold increase in the funding of in-career development programmes over the past five years. Recently I announced a £10 million building programme to develop and upgrade, the education centre network. This will result in 21 full-time education centres and nine part-time education centres being located throughout the country as part of the strategic development of a network for the in-career development of teachers.
In order to enhance the capacity of teachers to provide active learning experiences for students a number of science resource centres have been established and more are planned. These science resource centres will support the introduction and development of the science teaching programmes at both levels and will foster a greater awareness of science and technology among pupils. My Department has undertaken a number of successful gender equality initiatives to improve the participation rates of girls in science subjects provided as part of the second level curriculum. Regular monitoring of national standards will take place by the inspectorate and through surveys and certificate examinations.
