Vol. 529 No. 4
75 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions she has taken to implement the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science report on science and technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2022/01]
I thank the members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science for this very comprehensive and constructive report on science and technology. I have no hesitation in welcoming the report and its recommendations as an important contribution to the continuing development of appropriate policies and implementing mechanisms, in this very important area.
The recommendations in the report, envisage a wide range of practical and imaginative measures to be taken mainly by the Department of Education and Science. In addition to the measures being taken by that Department, action will also be required by our Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the various agencies responsible to both Departments, aimed at the strengthening of science education in Ireland and the promotion of closer co-operation between the education sector and industry.
A range of measures have been put in place by my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, to ensure that the education system retains the capacity to respond effectively to the changing needs of the economy and society in respect of scientific skills. The Minister Deputy Woods has established a task force on the physical sciences which will in the course of its work consider the recommendations of the Oireachtas joint committee's report.
The recommendations, in so far as they relate to my responsibilities at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are being given the fullest consideration. Many of the areas identified in the report as requiring action are already being addressed either by both Departments and their agencies, or other bodies such as the Irish Council for Science Technology and Innovation (ICSTI). The report will provide the basis for a renewed impetus in these areas.
On a more general note, this Government is very conscious of the need to introduce children to science subjects from the earliest possible age and in a manner which stimulates their interest and is appealing to them. If the demands and challenges of the knowledge-driven society are to be met, we need to actively encourage more young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
The future competitiveness and success of the Irish economy will depend to a considerable extent on our capacity for research excellence and innovation. The scale of investment in research, technological development and innovation (RTDI) right across the educational sector and industry provided for in the national development plan, is clear evidence of this.
