Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 1

Written Answers. - Science and Technology Education.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

100 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that sufficient facilities are available in the areas of technology and science to meet the ever increasing demands of industry, with particular reference to the need for students to be able to compete with those in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25381/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am acutely aware of the need to be innovative and proactive in the areas of science and technology in education and to ensure that the skills demands of industry continue to be addressed.

In response to this need my Department has introduced a number of initiatives, including the £280 million Scientific and Technology Education Investment Fund which represents the largest single capital investment programme ever introduced in this country; the introduction of tax incentive schemes which seek to encourage the enterprise sector to become actively involved in the infrastructural development of our third level institutions; the £220 million research and development initiative which involved the creation of a partnership between the State and enterprise sectors; the £75 million investment plan responding to the need for some 5,400 additional places, as identified by the expert group under the chairmanship of Dr. Chris Horn of Iona Technologies, across the third level sector focusing on high technology areas.

Further, the National Development Plan 2000-06 allows for the investment of £800 million in the third level capital programme with an additional 269 million for the research and development capital programme.

These initiatives and plans for future development are aimed at ensuring that this country continues to meet the skills demands of industry and will ensure that our students can compete with their peers from other countries.