Rejected Fianna Fail idea revived

THERE are strong arguments for making technology and enterprise education a compulsory subject in second-level schools, the White Paper suggests.

Reviving an idea which has not been heard of since the White Paper on Education published by Mr Seamus Brennan of Fianna Fail four years ago, the document says the Government accepts such a measure would involve "considerable" extra spending on materials, equipment, experimental facilities and teacher training.

"Such resources must be available on an equitable basis throughout all schools, rather than allow a two-tier approach to education in science and technology to develop," the document states.

The proposal is unlikely to find favour with the education world, which rounded on and eventually dumped Mr Brennan's enterprise-oriented proposals in 1992.

The White Paper says education is one of the most important determinants in developing a more positive culture towards science, research, technology and innovation in Irish society.

"In that context, for example, information technology has to be seen as more than a subject on the curriculum. If it is to be ingrained in the minds of young people, it has to be fully utilised as a whole new means of teaching and learning," the document states.

For third-level scientists concerned at the low level of funding of basic research, the document offers little comfort. The debate, on basic research is dismissed as generating "more heat and less light" than any other subject in the history of public policy debate.

The document asks if basic research leads directly to economic benefit for the state in which it is carried out.

"It is difficult for any country, particularly a small country, to justify significant investment in basic science across a wide range of disciplines in terms of the contribution it will make to that country's industrial innovation."

However, it says there are persuasive arguments for maintaining a "basic research capability". These include the need to be strong in areas of "strategic national importance", and the maintenance of standards at third level.

For these reasons, a basic research system is needed, but this must reflect the pressures of "prioritisation and relevance".

Funding should be allocated according to "the excellence of the research, relevance to national economic development, prioritisation of research and performance measurement".

To clarify their approach to research, and particularly college/industry collaboration, each third-level college will be required to publish a research charter. Forbairt will consult the RTCs and universities as appropriate in the preparation of regional development plans.