Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
597. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the proposal to appoint a teacher as a STEM champion in each primary school; if his Department has made advances on this proposal; and the estimates of the costs of the initiative. [28585/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) within our education system is a key priority for my and is reflected in multiple strategy documents, such as the Action Plan for Education, the National Skills Strategy and the Digital Strategy for Schools. My Department is already actively engaged in promoting STEM across the education system, for example through the updating of existing STEM curricula and in working with outside organisations to promote STEM among all learners.
The Report on STEM Education (STEM Report), published by the STEM Education Review Group in October 2016, has highlighted a range of recommendations. Of the 47 recommendations set out in the Report I accepted 21 as priority actions at the time the report was launched. One of those priority actions was to publish a STEM Policy Statement and Implementation Plan in 2017.
Work on development of the STEM Education Policy Statement and implementation Plan is underway. Consultations to gather the views of a wide range of stakeholders on proposed actions and how these might best be implemented within the system are coming to a close.
Analysis of the consultations findings and drafting of the Policy Statement are underway. The proposal in the STEM Report relating to STEM champions in primary schools is being considered as part of the development of the STEM Education Policy Statement and Implementation Plan which will be published soon.
