Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 3

Written Answers. - Third Level Students.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

101 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of graduates at universities and institutes of technology who, once they have completed a science certificate, diploma or degree course, take their first job in a science-related occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26467/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The Higher Education Authority undertakes an annual survey of the first destination of awards recipients in higher education. The most recent information available relates to the students who graduated in 1998 and is based on their status in April 1999. Data in the authority's report concern only those students who reply to the survey. While more than 80% of science degree holders replied to the survey, the response rate for those with sub-degree qualifications was lower at 63%. It is not possible to determine the employment or other status of the 1,550 students with science qualifications who did not participate in the survey.

A total of 2,624 primary degrees in science were awarded in 1998. Of the 2,118 graduates who participated in the survey, 1,135, 54%, entered employment while a further 837, 40%, went on to undertake research work or further studies. Of those in employment, 392, 35%, were employed in the categories scientific, professional and scientific support-technicians. However, many other respondents were employed in occupations such as engineering and professional where there is a significant scientific dimension to their work.

A total of 2,811 sub-degree awards in science were made in 1998. Of the 1,767 survey respondents, 576, 33%, entered employment while a further 1,098, 62%, were undertaking research work or further studies. Of those employed, 171, 30%, were employed in the categories scientific, professional and scientific support, technicians.