Seán Crowe
Question:135 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps his Department is taking to reverse the trend of the decline in participation in the study of physical sciences at second and third level. [24247/02]
Written Answers. - Science Teaching.
A task force on the physical sciences was set up at the end of 2000 to address the declining uptake of the physical sciences and related issues. The task force reported in March 2002. The task force had 44 members nominated by a wide range of educational and industrial interests.
The report identified six action areas: planning and resources; equity, teaching and learning; curriculum and assessment; promotion of science; and transition and integration into third level. The total costing of the proposals within the task force report amounted to €178 million for capital expenditure and €66 million for annual recurrent expenditure. The report was circulated for consultation in April with submissions on report invited up to 1 September. Some 30 submissions were received during this period. The consultation period was extended at the request of a number of organisations, which were consulting with their membership during September and October.
It is my intention to advance the matter further in consultation with my Government colleagues and in the light of available resources.