Education

Wicklow’s ingenuity demonstrated by the students who participated in the BT Young Scientist of the year Awards “just incredible

Andrew 2014, Dáil Éireann, Education, Wicklow - East Carlow

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Fine Gael TD Andrew Doyle compliments all the 28 Wicklow projects that entered the young scientist awards and applauds both the schools and young students for their inspiration and creativity.

Deputy Doyle comments “After visiting the RDS to see our youth showcase their talented projects demonstrated and displayed, it was just simply breath taking. Wicklow’s young students have proven once again that the ability in developing ground breaking and innovative projects is a testament to both their endeavour, research and school participation involvement”

The 50th competition has been the biggest to date with 2,000 ideas submitted by 4,418 students from across 32 counties. 50 per cent of secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland have entered a project for the milestone year. Visitor numbers increased for the exhibitions, live shows and interactive education exhibits this year

Andrew Doyle  TD emphasised  “A half century in existence after been set up in 1963 , the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition underpins the importance of our commitment to investment in youth, research and innovation and the contribution to our economy that these individual elements make cannot be undervalued”

“The level of innovation by Wicklow’s young scientist is staggering with projects ranging from skin type and mole identification skills among teenagers, the investigation of grass growth using chemical and organic fertilizers through to research into how can sea water be used to grow tomato plants and the comparison between growing plants with fresh water, the development of an automatic automotive speed limiter for the safety of the public and gender detection of eggs before incubation. There was innovative research into how can one recognise when diabetes is at your door and how to prevent it .They are just a selection of some of the Wicklow projects highlighting the breath of talent in our young County Wicklow scientists.”

“We must again pay tribute to the students, parents, teachers and organisers as a great celebration of creative and innovative thinking and talent that exists amongst Wicklow’s youth. It simply stresses the importance in cultivating and nurturing the counties talent of our future scientists and engineers and making sure we have the foundation of educational infrastructure and supports and a streamlined methodology of capitalising on these great projects” added Deputy Doyle

Budget provides for 1,400 extra teachers and protects class sizes – Doyle

graham 2013, Dáil Éireann, Education

ClassroomFine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew has welcomed the provisions of the Education Budget, which will allow for 1,400 new teachers to be hired next year, and which has safeguarded class sizes.

Deputy Doyle said, “Every effort has been made to protect education frontline services in this year’s Budget, and I am delighted that we will be able to employ 1,400 new teachers at primary and post-primary level next year. This will allow us to protect the standard pupil-teacher ratio as our school-going population continues to grow. Additional Resource Teachers for children with special needs will also be recruited. And, crucially, the €1.3 billion budget for special education is being protected.”

“A new book rental scheme is being introduced to reduce the cost burden on parents with young families. By using proceeds from the sale of the National Lottery Licence, €5 million will be invested each year over the next three years to provide book rental schemes in all primary schools that don’t currently operate them. This means the cost of books will be slashed for parents by up to 80%. The €15 million provided to schools, which already operate book schemes, will also be safeguarded.”

“At second level, as well as the recruitment of extra teachers, additional investment is being made in reform of the Junior Cycle. Almost €5 million will be spent on the introduction of the new English syllabus, which will allow for the training of 7,000 school personnel in the coming year. Broadband roll-out in all second level schools is also continuing, with all schools due to be connected by the end of 2014.”

“Beyond second level, at least 2,000 training places are being ring-fenced for the under-25s, to help young people make sure they have the right skills to secure employment. This is being provided as part of the €46 million for the Youth Guarantee, which will ensure young people are either in training, education or employment.”

“Protecting our education sector is hugely important as we exit the bailout. This means investing in education from pre-school, right through primary, secondary and third level, and ensuring those who are out of work are given the opportunity to take up training that will help them get back into employment. When we exit the bailout at the end of this year, we will once again be in control of our own affairs.”

“While there is still more work to be done, as the economy recovers and our public finances are put back on track, we will continue to invest in education in County Wicklow in the years ahead”, concluded Deputy Doyle.