Engineers Ireland has welcomed the decision by the Department of Education and Science to introduce Maths tests in primary schools this year.

Denis McGrath, Engineers Ireland Registrar, said today: "These tests should help prepare pupils for higher level Maths at second level. Maths is an essential course requirement for engineering and engineers will play a key role in the development of Ireland’s knowledge economy in the future. STEPS to engineering currently offer many activities to primary schools to encourage students interest in engineering and science."

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A recent report entitled Engineering a Knowledge Island 2020 published by Engineers Ireland and the Irish Academy of Engineers highlighted that if the island of Ireland is to become a top five global economy by 2020 there needs to be a year on year increase of seven per cent in the number of engineering graduates.

To ensure this increase, in 2007 Engineers Ireland’s STEPS to engineering programme, will actively encourage young people to consider a career in engineering through 1,500 events targeting over 65,000 students nationwide.

(JM)