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Education Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021

Thursday, 20 May 2021

Questions (317, 318, 319, 320)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he plans to make special provision to the advancement of the sciences with the higher educational system with a view to maximisation of opportunities for Irish graduates in order to enhance their opportunities against allcomers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27404/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

318. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he continues to encourage the development of the sciences through higher education with a view to ensuring the availability of the highest possible number of scientists in the future and as a result, enhancing Ireland’s capability in that field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27405/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for an increase in student interest in the sciences through higher education; the extent to which this is manifesting itself; his hope for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27406/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has carried out an evaluation of the level of interest in the sciences at third and fourth-level; if he plans to incentivise interest in the area in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27407/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 to 320, inclusive, together.

There are a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands, including in the area of the sciences. These include policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified science and technical graduates, and initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. These strategies and initiatives include: the National Skills Strategy 2025; Technology Skills 2022; Springboard+; the Human Capital Initiative and the July Stimulus package.

I am keenly aware of how crucial STEM education is to Ireland’s growth as a world-class centre of innovation and research. On 18th May Minister Foley and I announced a new partnership to support education and public engagement in STEM. This partnership contributes funding to projects under the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover Programme, which aims to support effective interventions in early STEM education, help students engage with science subjects at an early age and foster interest in STEM careers.

The number of students studying STEM at third level has been growing, with the number of yearly graduates in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics increasing by 1,000 between 2014 and 2019, from 5,470 to 6,470. My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Education on their STEM Education Policy Statement to ensure that learners are given every opportunity to engage with the sciences, and ensure that pipeline of suitably qualified science graduates is maintained.

Question No. 318 answered with Question No. 317.
Question No. 319 answered with Question No. 317.
Question No. 320 answered with Question No. 317.
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