The union today highlighted:

 - How an increase of less than a quarter of one percent of the education Budget would secure laboratory technicians for schools

 - Anecdotal evidence that many students are dissuaded from taking up science subjects by poor facilities in schools

 - Statistics which show that just 3% of qualifications attained in Ireland in 2005 were in the field of science.

Motions from a number of branches set for debate at next week’s TUI Congress seek the provision of laboratory technicians for all second level schools.

TUI believes such appointments would ensure teacher time is freed up to engage in the teaching and learning process, thus maximising the benefit of class and preparation time to students.

According to Tim O Meara, President of the TUI, the Department’s failure to move on the recommendations of the Task Force on the Physical Sciences in relation to laboratory technicians “shows an appalling lack of commitment on the part of the Government to increasing the numbers taking science subjects at second level or to support the quality of science teaching that is required in the 21st Century. “

“While theory is vitally important, science really comes to life in the laboratory.”

“We would estimate that the introduction of a scheme of technical support would cost in the region of €20m per annum. This could be provided by increasing the education Budget by a less than a quarter of a percentage point. [1] This figure would be even less if the scheme was initially introduced on a phased basis.

“The small number of schools that have funded laboratory technicians from local private funds have demonstrated the real value of such positions to students. Despite the Minister’s viewpoint that technicians are not needed, there is a clear and strong body of evidence that with such appointments teacher time is freed up to engage in the teaching and learning process, thus maximising the benefit of class and preparation time to students. “

“A laboratory technician should support the learning process of science education for students. Such a system would upgrade the skills of students by giving them more opportunity to carry out practical work. Syllabi have been revised in recent years and there is an increased emphasis on practical work.”

“Typically, lab technicians would support preparation tasks, experimentation work and other activities such as stocktaking, managing chemicals and ensuring health and safety.”

“Continued discourse about creating a knowledge-based society has little meaning when resources for the essential supports that are necessary to enhance and improve the teaching of science and indeed other subjects are not put in place. It is all the more galling when one considers the significant Budget surpluses of recent years. “

“Of the 120,375 public education and training qualifications achieved in Ireland in 2005, just 3,826 or 3% were in the field of science[2]. Given that a key driving factor in the knowledge economy is a strong supply of scientists and technologists, this is worrying in the extreme.”

“There is also clear anecdotal evidence from our members that antiquated practical equipment in many State schools is acting as a disincentive to students who which would otherwise be interested in taking the subjects. “

Mr. O’ Meara believes the Government’s indifference of the issue is “frightening”. It is well and good that there is top class science facilities and expansion in third level institutions but this must be paralleled at second level, the union believes.

“The most recent National Skills Strategy Research Report highlights that Ireland’s PISA ranking of 16th out of 40 countries for the scientific literacy of its 15-year-olds, based on average score. TUI believes the provision of targeted funding to employ technicians and update equipment would greatly bolster this performance.”

“Second-level teachers are willing and anxious to build and improve science education. Through participation in the NCCA they are involved in considering and advising on new curricula and assessment at senior cycle that could make science education more relevant and accessible to young people. However, many are disillusioned at the clear lack of commitment to the issue by the Government.”

Out of 54,000 candidates in 2007, just 5,232 took Higher Level Physics while 5,729 took Higher Level Chemistry. 17,521 candidates took Biology.