Vol. 513 No. 6
115 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide additional resources for the development of science facilities in second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3344/00]
For many years schools in the free education scheme have received a per capita grant for each pupil studying a range of specified subjects including science subjects. Starting in this school year an additional special per capita grant is being paid for each pupil studying the three leaving certificate subjects physics, chemistry and physics and chemistry (combined course). This new additional grant will be paid at a rate of £10 for each pupil studying these subjects. The purpose of this grant is to provide for the purchase and maintenance of basic science teaching equipment.
The importance of the use of information communication technologies in all aspects of teaching and learning is widely recognised. These technologies have particular value in relation to the sciences. Accordingly, proposals are being drawn up to provide a PC, printer and relevant software to each school specifically for use in the teaching of the sciences.
It is recognised that there is a need to provide funding to bring the laboratory facilities in second level schools up to an agreed base level. Planning is progressing on allocating funds to target identified needs in this respect.
The building up of science laboratory resources is an ongoing process and I am confident that significant progress is being made towards the provision of a good level of laboratory facilities in our second level schools.
