The implementation of science subjects is strongly supported by my Department through the provision of grants for equipment and capital expenditure.
The need for science facilities in second level schools that have a capital project either in architectural planning or at construction are being addressed as part of the overall project. Grants totalling €13,332 have been paid to second level schools in the free education scheme that offer the physical sciences at senior cycle level for the acquisition of laboratory equipment, including ICT equipment.
At primary level, during the 1999-2000 school year a total of €2.16 million in the form of grants was made available for the purchase of science equipment in advance of the implementation of science in primary schools.