Engineers Ireland President Dr. Chris Horn (second from left) launching the Engineers Ireland Report on Mathematics and Science, together with Teacher Reviewers Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin and Sarah Green with Engineers Ireland Vice President PJ Rudden, who was author of the Report and Eamon Prendergast, Engineers Ireland.

On Thursday, 11th February, 2010 the President of Engineers Ireland, Dr. Chris Horn, launched the Engineers Ireland Report on Education of Mathematics and Science at Second Level. This report was authored by PJ Rudden, RPS Director & Vice President of Engineers Ireland assisted by an Engineers Ireland Task Force, which he chaired.

"The work arose from a continuing and growing concern over the annual results of Leaving Certificate examinations, combined with anecdotal evidence from members, of a general demising competence in Mathematics and Science amongst school leavers", explained Dr. Horn. The report recommends specific actions to improve Mathematics teaching nationally.

Engineers Ireland has no formal role in the education of science and mathematics, but is concerned due to the importance of these subjects, especially mathematics, to the engineering profession. The report was commissioned to assess the current situation nationally, to examine currently proposed curricula and teaching approach changes and to make recommendations for improvements both nationally and in what Engineers Ireland can do to assist and support.

Dr. Horn explained that "an appreciation of mathematics underpins not just engineering and innovation, but science and the humanities, business and the arts. In re-building our economy, all of us must rediscover the intense value of mathematics".

"A firm grasp of mathematical concepts is seen as an essential component to aid the drive towards higher value business and the sustainable economy required for national development and to export our knowledge services to international markets” said PJ Rudden.

The full Report is available at www.engineersireland.ie