LAUNCH OF THE FAS SCIENCE CHALLENGE PRIMARY PROJECT

BY THE MINISTER FOR ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND EMPLOYMENT, MICHEAL MARTIN, T.D.

ST. JOSEPH’S BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL, TERENURE THURSDAY 21^ST OCTOBER AT 11.00AM

I am delighted to be here today to launch the FAS Science Challenge Primary School Competition.

I would like to thank Mr Matt Hume for making his school available for today’s launch, it was in St Josephs boys national school that it all began with the amazing visit by Capt Winston Scott to the school in January. I would also like to welcome girls from the Presentation school who are also here today.

The wonders of science and the world of opportunities it opens up are immense. The Science Challenge offers children, perhaps even one of you here today, the chance to enjoy and explore science at one of the leading centres of excellence for science and innovation in the World – the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Fifteen lucky pupils will be selected from throughout the country, to take part in one of the most exciting science projects on offer to primary school pupils. They will take part in an activity packed week with the Florida Space Academy. I understand they will be part of a Space Mission team, learn how to build air rockets, launch their own weather balloons and find out first hand about the environment and wildlife of Florida while learning solutions and new approaches to everyday challenges. They will have the chance to put all they have read in books into practice. I am sure that this competition will capture the enthusiasm and energy of all those who take part - I just wish I was a year or two younger so I could apply.

I have been told that many of you here today met with astronaut, Capt. Winston Scott earlier this year when he visited your school – I am sure that he inspired many of you to follow in his footsteps - perhaps we have the first Irish Astronaut in our midst.

We don’t have to look too far to realise the important role that our teachers play in fostering a desire for learning. The future generations of researchers, doctors, engineers and teachers are in your hands, and I would like to acknowledge your input and enthusiasm in moulding these young people into Ireland’s future.

The Science Challenge Primary Project is aimed at getting primary school pupils to become more aware of the growing importance of science and technology in all our lives. Instilling this interest at this crucial stage of a pupil's educational development may help to address the future skills needs of Irish industry.

The Primary Project is just one of a number of projects developed by FAS under the Science Challenge initiative. To-date over 30 Irish students have participated in projects since 2003 with the Florida Space Authority and Kennedy Space Centre, from primary school pupils to third level graduates. The links that have been established with the Florida Space Authority by FAS have opened up an extensive array of opportunities for Ireland in the Science and Technology sectors. Currently a team of ten are participating on the FAS Science Challenge Internship programme with private industry and universities in the United States. They all have the opportunity to work and learn alongside leading world experts and to bring back to Ireland the knowledge and expertise they have gained. They represent a wide range of industry sectors in Ireland from Apprentice Aircraft Mechanics and Motor Mechanics to Researchers from UCC, Trinity and UCD.

I look forward to meeting with them and the team of Electrical Apprentices who will be commencing their three-month programme with the Florida Institute of Technology, NASA and Industry in Florida in January 2005. The involvement of their employers here in Ireland is greatly appreciated in bringing this project to fruition.

I would like to thank, the Director General of FAS, Rody Molloy the Florida Space Authority, NASA for their continual support which has ensured the ongoing success of The Science Challenge. Their foresight and ingenuity will ensure access for Irish students to leading technologies which assist not only them, but their employers and Ireland to maximise possibilities and opportunities in the future.

This initiative complements the Government's policy of ensuring that Ireland continues to be recognised as a knowledge based society. The project is in addition to a number of proactive measures being undertaken at all levels through the Government's Discover Science and Engineering programme. We will continue to take an active role in supporting measures such as the Science Challenge to ensure that Ireland continues to be recognised as possessing a highly skilled, talented and educated workforce. I would like to acknowledge the presence here today of Dr. Barry McSweeney, the Government’s Chief Science Adviser, whose expert advice will ensure that Ireland continues to move up the field in Science and Technology.

To each of you who enter the competition I hope it will inspire you to investigate, explore and learn more about the many different exciting science and technology advancements that have been made. I hope it will encourage you to follow in the footsteps of other great Irish Scientists and inventors and to represent Ireland on the world stage in the future.

Best of luck with your mission – I now officially launch the FAS Science Challenge 2005.

APPRENTICES

GRADUATES

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME