Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Science and Technology Funding.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2004

Tuesday, 10 February 2004

Ceisteanna (174)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

249 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the recommendations which have been accepted and the recommendations which have been rejected from within the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science report regarding finance in the education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3683/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is understood that this question refers to the report of the Joint Committee on Education and Science on science and technology of October 2000. Of the 31 recommendations in the report which relate to the education sector, five have not been implemented, 12 have been implemented and partial progress has been made on a further 14. A progress report is being forwarded to the Deputy and is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

The recommendations which have not been implemented relate to the following: making junior cycle science a mandatory subject — some 89% of students study science at junior cycle level and ensuring choice is an important part of the strategy to encourage young people to stay in school; altering the marking system in leaving certificate science subjects — a recent study on grading in the leaving certificate has just been completed and is being examined by the State Examinations Commission and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; practical element — this is not included in the assessment arrangements for science subjects in the leaving certificate and greater emphasis on more practical modes of assessment is one of the areas which will be examined in the context of the overall reforms of senior cycle education mooted in the NCCA paper, Developing Senior Cycle Education: Directions for Development; premia payments — there are no plans to pay premia to teachers for participation in inservice training in particular subject areas but, as part of pay and conditions, teachers receive additional allowances with salary in respect of certain nationally certified higher level qualifications acquired; and the development of a support centre — resources are not available at present for the establishment of a science education technical support centre.

Barr
Roinn