Festival to explore science opportunities

A week-long festival at which the public will be able to explore science and technology was opened in Dublin by Mr Noel Treacy yesterday.

The Minister of State for Science and Technology said the third annual Science Week Ireland would show young people the career opportunities in the sector and how science "is fast becoming more important in our lives, whether it be at our workplace, in our homes or in our leisure activities."

He underlined the importance of two national events this year, Enterprise Ireland's "Science and Enterprise - the Best of Irish Science" at the RDS and Primary Science Day next Friday, when 500 primary schools will devote part of their day to science. The science and technology dimension in Irish life had enabled leading-edge companies to come to Ireland, and had helped to foster indigenous industry, Mr Treacy said. "It's a dimension to be proud of, and to build on, and that is what Science Week sets out to do."

Mr Treacy was concerned that second-level students and their parents sometimes misunderstood the entry requirements for science and technology-related courses, which were often lower than the points needed for some arts and business courses.

The Association of Secondary Teachers - Ireland has also warned that failure to take up chemistry and physics subjects will lead to skills shortages.

High-tech companies wanted to build a solid, long-term base here, Mr Treacy added, while new industries had grown out of the IT revolution. Ireland was the European hub for some of these. "Our job is to ensure our young people are equipped and ready for the challenge," he said.

This year's Science Week motto, he said, should be "From outer space to the factory floor". The festival is part of the Science, Technology and Innovation Awareness Programme managed by Forfas on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

US astronaut Dr Stephen Robinson, who was on two spaceshuttle missions, will speak at several Science Week events. He said he was glad "to make a small connection with the future of Ireland."