Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 5

Written Answers. - State Examinations.

Michael Ring

Question:

140 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the fall-off of students sitting science subjects in the leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23246/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

While I have no statutory responsibility in relation to the matter, I share the concern of my colleague the Minister for Education and Science on this issue. If Ireland is to grow its competitiveness in technology, it is desirable that we have a strong interest and participation in science subjects in schools.

I understand the following steps are being taken by the Minister for Education and Science to address the matter. A task force on the uptake of the physical sciences at both second and third level has been established. The brief of the task force is to identify the issues that contribute to the falling uptake of the physical sciences and to recommend additional measures to address these issues. Revised syllabi in leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry were introduced in September 2000 for first examination in June 2002. A new biology syllabus will be introduced in September 2002 for first examination in June 2004. A new format of examination paper in ordinary level junior certificate science was introduced in the 2000 examination. In leaving certificate physics and chemistry the structure and layout of questions on the ordinary level papers has been revised. A comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers of physics and chemistry was put in place in September 1999 and is designed to run for three years. An in-career development programme for teachers of biology has been put in place in the current school year. Additional grants for the purchase of laboratory equipment, including ICT equipment, are being provided to schools. Schools that currently have a capital project in architectural planning will have their science laboratories upgraded as an integral element of the capital project. A special annualper capita grant of £10 for pupils taking leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry has been introduced.