Concerns about the place of science and technology in education are summarised in a recently launched National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) discussion paper. It looks at ways to "improve the take-up of science and technology subjects in our schools". The paper also commits the NCCA to supporting the work of the Department of Education and Science in developing and introducing, as a matter of urgency, the assessment of practical skills as a new component in the Leaving Certificate examination.