Vol. 522 No. 3
235 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected cost to his Department of the planned in-service training for the introduction of science at primary level and the upgrading of the skills of physics and chemis try at second level; and the make up of this cost, distinguishing travel and subsistence, payment of a substitute and actual course provision. [18624/00]
In-service training for the introduction of science at primary level will be provided in the context of the primary curriculum support programme. The programme, which commenced in the current school year, is due to run for four to five years during which period subject-specific training will be provided in each of the curriculum subjects and schools will also be afforded time and support in relation to planning for implementation of the revised curriculum in the classroom. Planning of the programme itself is kept under continual review and is informed by experience and by feedback from the partners in education. The estimates of costs given below are therefore based on assumptions which are liable to change.
The estimated cost of the overall programme is £4.2 million per annum over four to five years. Of this it is estimated that a minimum of £1.7 million in total will be spent on training for the introduction of science. Included in this figure are travel and subsistence costs for participants estimated at a minimum of £0.7 million. There are no substitution costs for participants as the schools are closed for training. This leaves a balance of £1 million for other course provision costs in the science area.
In relation to leaving certificate physics and chemistry at second level, the inservice training and support programme for these subjects commenced in 1999 and is due to continue to the end of the school year 2001-02. The total estimated cost for the three years is £5 million. Of this the estimated cost of participants travel and subsistence is £0.2 million and of participants' substitution is £1 million. This leaves a balance of £3.8 million for other course provision costs.
