Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Curriculum.

John Perry

Question:

114 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost of his proposals to provide schools with a grant per science lab; the exact details of these proposals; and if payment is conditional on the implementation of the new syllabus. [15811/03]

Damien English

Question:

174 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to pursue the new junior certificate science syllabus from September 2003. [15812/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 174 together.

A revised syllabus for science at higher and ordinary levels will be introduced on an optional basis in September 2003 for examination in the junior certificate examination in 2006 and following years. My Department has issued a circular letter to the management authorities of second level schools inviting them to opt in to implementing the revised syllabus from 2003-04 and, if their school is in the free education scheme, to apply for a once-off equipment-resource grant by completing an application form. Applications for the grant for 2003-04 are required to reach my Department before 31 October 2003.

The grant scheme provides for a grant of €3,500 per laboratory in cases where schools are adequately equipped to implement the current science syllabus or have had a major capital investment since 1995 and an enhanced rate of grant for schools whose equipment and resources are not deemed adequate to deliver the current syllabus, by reference to an itemised indicative resource list issued with the circular. Payment of the grant is conditional on the implementation of the revised syllabus.

While the actual cost of the measure will not be known until the applications for 2003-04 have been received and processed, the overall cost of equipping all schools to deliver the revised syllabus has been estimated provisionally at €12 million. This includes provision for a small number of schools that are not currently in a position, with optimum time-tabling, to provide for a double period per week access to laboratory facilities. My Department's building unit is entering into discussions with these schools to see how best their needs can be met as quickly as possible.

A support team consisting of a national co-ordinator and regional development officers will be in place from September 2003 to provide an in-career development programme for teachers. The support team will provide advice to principals and school staff, a helpline and will also support the development of school networks.

Schools not intending to adopt the revised syllabus from September 2003 may continue using the old syllabus.