Louth based Senator seeks clarity on STEM funding for schools
Senator McGreehan has sought further clarity on the selection process for the funding
Local Fianna Fáil Senator, Erin McGreehan, has said funding of over €167,000 for 18 Louth schools in STEM grants will make an enormous difference, but has sought further clarity on the selection process for the funding.
The funding was announced by Minister for Education, Norma Foley, as part of a trebling of the budget for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grants to €4.7m.
Senator McGreehan said: “This new funding in STEM grants will make a big difference to students at the selected schools here in Louth.
“Fianna Fáil in government recognises the pivotal role that Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and the Arts play in fostering the skills that our students need for success in various aspects of life. The STEM grant scheme will empower those schools selected in Louth to provide the high-quality STEM education required for all their students.
"I have been contacted by several schools who have been disappointed with the selection process for the grant funding and are seeking clarity. It appears that some of the selections have been done on the basis of random selection, despite the substantial application form required of schools.
"I have contacted my party colleague, Minister Foley, and I hope to soon have some clarity on the selection process for the grants. The importance of the STEM grant funding for the successful schools cannot be understated and it is my wish now that further funding should be found to support STEM in more schools."