Vol. 520 No. 5
8 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the results of the national survey of schools' science facilities; the number of schools responding; and the analysis of the shortcomings in laboratories. [16160/00]
A survey of science facilities was conducted during the winter of 1998-9 to determine the state of the existing science infrastructure within second level schools and to inform decisions concerning the optimum approach to targeting resources at schools that offer the physical science subjects.
It is planned to publish an executive summary of the main findings of the survey later in the summer. The survey revealed three key findings. First, it identified the inadequate levels of equipment within science laboratories. In particular, it was noted that the vast majority of the 628 responding schools do not use information technology facilities in the teaching of science subjects. Second, the survey identified the need for greater awareness concerning health and safety issues within science laboratories. Third, the survey demonstrated that there is a need to upgrade the services within the majority of science laboratories.
In response to the main findings of the survey, I have already sanctioned the payment of a grant of £2,500 to schools that offer the physical science subjects at leaving certificate level for the purpose of acquiring a multi-media PC with DVD drive, printer and related hardware and software. Additionally, I sanctioned the payment of a grant of £1.500 to all qualifying schools to be used for acquiring items of equipment for use in the laboratory. I am at present considering a range of additional measures aimed at enhancing the level of equipment within science laboratories.
Concerning health and safety issues within laboratories, a circular letter has issued to the managerial authorities of all schools reminding school authorities of their statutory obligation under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, to have a safety statement in place and to ensure that there are adequate safety precautions and safety equipment in science laboratories.
Schools that currently have a capital project in architectural planning will have their science laboratories upgraded as an integral element of the capital project. For all other schools that offer science subjects, consideration is being given to the most appropriate mechanisms to fund an upgrade of services within laboratories in the context of the overall needs of the school.
Is it not the case that the most interesting finding of the study was that 65% of schools indicated that the laboratory facilities were hopelessly inadequate? Will the Minister provide information to the Oireachtas Library which shows the situation in all-girl schools, where it is well known that laboratory facilities are far worse and the take up of science is correspondingly very depressed? Will he publish, either directly or under the Freedom of Information Act, the full survey so the Oireachtas can look at it? Does he agree that the £13 million provision over three years for 780 schools represents about £16,000 per school? What does he believe a school can do by way of an adequate science facility with £16,000? Does he think that will bring us up to best international practice?
It is a big improvement on what was given out by the last Government.
That is an old refrain.
Overall expenditure has been increased by 43% so it is not just a refrain, it is the reality. Equipment is being assessed and upgraded. Any school building an extension will get a completely new laboratory. The funds for existing facilities are being directed towards the specific areas—
I asked the Minister a simple question and he has not answered.
Does the Minister agree that the lack of science facilities at second level has a major impact on the uptake of science courses at third level? This, in turn, has significant implications for the economy. There is a crisis in the promotion of science at third level arising from the lack of investment at second level.
Does the Minister agree that lives are being put at risk in schools? It is a miracle that there has not been a serious accident in light of the fact that the majority of science laboratories have no fire extinguisher, smoke detector, first aid kit or fire blanket, as is highlighted in the Minister's own report. Another report states that there are unwanted chemicals in unlabelled containers being stored in school laboratories. These are hazardous chemicals. The teachers do not know what they are or how to treat injuries caused by them. What will the Minister do about those two serious safety issues?
I mentioned in my reply that letters concerning health and safety obligations have been sent to the schools in question and that extra funds have been granted to improve equipment. In relation to the lack of facilities affecting those who take up science, that is not the key problem. There are schools with poor facilities and large numbers doing science while other schools have every facility but very few are studying science. I was a scientist and we only had very simple facilities but we were able to do the most elaborate experiments.
It is an area on which we must concentrate. Science laboratories need equipment and I see that as a priority. I will secure whatever resources I can for it.
The Minister did not indicate that the report would be laid in the Oireachtas Library. It is ridiculous that we have to use the freedom of information legislation for information which should be readily available to this House. It is an indictment of how the Minister runs his Department.
I said I would make an executive summary available.
On a point of order, I want a copy of the full report; I do not want a doctored version of it. We should not have to fight to get it. We, as taxpayers, paid for it.
The Chair has no control over the content of Minister's replies but it is obliged to apply Standing Orders. Six minutes are allocated to each question and a number of Deputies are offering. I am trying to facilitate them all but I cannot do that if the House is constantly interrupted with points that are not points of order.
I do not dispute that but it is an insult to the Houses not to make available a report for which taxpayers paid.
I refute the allegation—
That is not a point of order, Deputy Bruton.
—made by the Deputy to the effect that my Department would in any way doctor a report in respect of this or any other matter.
I would prefer it if the Minister proceeded with Question No. 9.
I wanted to place on record the fact that the Deputy's comments are not appropriate.
