Vol. 509 No. 3
103 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports and funds available for the promotion and development of science; the potential that exists in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19788/99]
I am very conscious of the importance of the role of science education in the context of our increasingly technological society and rapidly expanding economy. I have recently instituted a number of measures to further support the development of science education. The supports include (1) increased funding for school laboratories and equipment with an expenditure of £15 million over the three years 1990-2001; (2) comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers of physics and chemistry with 800 teachers of physics and chemistry receiving two and a half days' in-service in the current school year; (3) the secondment of 13 teachers of physics and chemistry on a full-time basis from September 1999 to support the in-career development programme; (4) a £10per capita additional payment from September 1999 for pupils taking physics and chemistry at leaving certificate level; (5) an increase in the provision for pre-service training through a new degree programme for Science teachers at DCU; and (6) the production of revised syllabi in leaving certificate physics and chemistry and junior certificate science.
In addition, my Department provides support to the Irish Science Teachers Association for seminars and courses for in-career development.
My Department welcomes initiatives in the furtherance of our common objective from all with an interest in science and science education, including the professional institutes and associations, third level institutions and, not least, the various science-based industries and their representative bodies.
