Liz McManus
Ceist:42 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to establish a task force to co-ordinate efforts to address the problem of the declining take-up of science subjects by students. [20098/99]
Written Answers. - Science Education.
The declining uptake of the physical sciences has been of concern to me for some time and last March I announced a major initiative to address the issue.
My Department is in ongoing contact with a number of bodies involved in science education in relation to the uptake of physics and chemistry at leaving certificate. At the suggestion of the national committee for physics of the Royal Irish Academy a meeting was held on September 10 to discuss the declining uptake of the physical sciences. In addition to members of my Department the meeting was attended by representatives of university physics, chemistry and education departments, the NCCA, FÁS, Forfás and the Irish Science Teachers' Association.
At this meeting it was decided to set up a sub-committee to prepare a report on possible initiatives by the various agencies to support the development of the physical sciences at second level and to suggest procedures for implementing these initiatives. In particular, the sub-committee is considering a proposal for the establishment of a task force to progress solutions and to liaise closely with the Department in its work in this area. I look forward to receiving these proposals. They will receive the fullest consideration from my Department within the context of current resources and commitments.