Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has praised the students of Co. Limerick that have taken part in the BT Young Scientist Exhibition at the RDS in Dublin. Speaking after attending the exhibition, Patrick O’Donovan said that the range of projects, on display and the number of schools that were present clearly prove the level of interest in Science in Co. Limerick.
“These students from Limerick are excellent ambassadors for their schools, communities and county. They made their presentations in a very professional and articulate manner. I was delighted to see the different type of project on display from Co. Limerick schools, ranging from practical inventions with commercial potential to studies of human behaviour and attitudes that could help inform decision makers in the future.”
Patrick O’Donovan added that the importance of the BT Young Scientist Exhibition could not be over stated, especially in the current economic climate. “Ireland’s economy needs young people to continue to thinking about careers in the area of science and technology so that our place as a world leader in the sector can be further developed. That progress will depend on the numbers of second level students who decide to study subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Technology, Technical Graphics and Maths, and based on the numbers of students at the RDS it is clear that the level of interest in the area is growing rapidly.
“I have spoken on a number of occasions in Dáil Éireann about the importance of ensuring that the number of students taking science subjects to Leaving Cert level is boosted and encouraged if we are to produce the graduates that the economy will need in the near future. This exhibition proves that the interest and talent of our young people is clear to see and is something that I believe we need to promote even more in order to attract foreign and direct investment into Ireland so that job opportunities can be created for our young people. “
Patrick O’Donovan paid tribute to the parents, teachers, principals and school managers that had encouraged participation in the BT Young Scientist Exhibition. “This is like an All-Ireland Final for these students, and the exhibition is their stage on which they can show their talent to others. We can all be very proud of the way that they have represented themselves, and ensured that Limerick was one of the best represented counties in terms of the numbers at the exhibition.”