Minister launches STEM plan

Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton has launched his department’s STEM Education Policy Statement 2017-2026 and Implementation Plan 2017-2019.

The plan, published on Monday, sets out the intention to make Ireland a European leader in STEM education by 2026.

STEM is the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A statement from the Department of Education and Skills outlined that should Ireland be a European leader in STEM education, development and nurturing talent is central.

“If Ireland is to be at the forefront of this transformation, we must be a leader in nurturing, developing and deploying STEM talent. This policy statement focuses on the many strengths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in Ireland, while providing a roadmap to address the areas for development,” the statement read.

Key ambitions as set out by the policy statement include a 20% increase in the total number of students taking chemistry, physics, technology and engineering for Leaving Certificate, an increase of 40% in the number of females taking STEM subjects for Leaving Certificate and accelerating the introduction of computer science at Leaving Certificate, with implementation brought forward to September 2018.

300 new jobs in Louth

Wasdell Group is to establish a pharmaceutical packaging, testing and distribution facility in Dundalk, Co Lough, creating 300 jobs over five years.

The news was announced earlier in the week by Minister of State for Employment and Small Business Pat Breen. The project is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland.

The privately owned British company’s capability includes clinical trials packing, primary and secondary packaging, and distribution of biopharmaceutical products. The company also offers contract manufacturing services with FDA- and MHRA-approved analytical and microbiology.

Wasdell is to build a 70,000 sq ft greenfield facility on a circa 2.88 hectare site at IDA’s site in Mullagharlin, Dundalk, representing an investment of €30m.

20 more jobs in Supermac’s in Galway

The 108th Supermac’s has been opened in Headford in Galway. The outlet opened on Sunday 26 November and 20 new jobs have been created. The premises is owned by the Monaghan family.