Vol. 481 No. 6
32 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, he has had with the Science Research Committee of the Royal Irish Academy about the teaching of science and technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16706/97]
The Department of Education and Science is represented on a number of committees established by the Royal Irish Academy in relation to the teaching of various science-technological subjects in the curriculum. I am informed of the academy's views in these areas through feedback from my officials. I understand that the Royal Irish Academy made a submission in April 1997 in response to the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation. I welcome its views in relation to the setting up of a science, technology and innovation infrastructure necessary for the development and maintenance of our technological competitiveness as expressed in the Government's Action Programme for the Millennium.
