MORE MATHS AND SCIENCE GRADUATES VITAL TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY – HANNIGAN
Issued : Friday 12 March, 2010
Producing more maths and science graduates is vital to Ireland’s economic recovery, according to Meath Senator Dominic Hannigan.
In the Oireachtas today the Labour Senator urged the Government to take measures to increase the number of students taking maths and science subjects at both leaving cert and third level.
Senator Hannigan said: “There are as many people studying geography at leaving cert level as there are studying maths, applied maths, chemistry and physic combined. We need to think about this. While the country undoubtedly needs geographers, it is through mathematics and science that we will dig our way out of this recession,” said Senator Hannigan.
“Reports by Engineers Ireland and the Government’s own innovation taskforce have both stressed the need to raise the levels of competence and attainment in maths and sciences, and I am calling for an Oireachtas debate on the issue
“The Engineers Ireland report had 18 different proposals for increasing the number of people studying mathematics. Among their suggestions are tax breaks for teachers and better training. One interesting proposal was to ban calculators at primary school level in order to increase numeracy. The innovation report also backs the introduction of bonus CAO points for maths in the Leaving Cert in order to boost student interest.”
“If we are to get out of this recession it will be by encouraging people to study mathematics and science. I have asked that we debate the issue in conjunction with a debate on the innovation taskforce report.”
