The results of the latest OECD survey on the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds in the major industrialised countries could scarcely be more encouraging for this State. Pupils from the Republic are close to the top of the world league table in Science and English; in Maths, they are just above the OECD average. These impressive results will tend to confirm the view that the Republic has, in general terms, a very good education system characterised by outstanding teachers and hugely committed parents.
The OECD Pisa (Programme for International Student Assessment) is a three-yearly survey of 265,000 students from 32 countries. It examines literacy in reading, Maths and Science. On literacy, the results appear to contradict earlier surveys. Last year, one Department of Education survey highlighted how one child in ten leaves primary school with literacy problems. A 1997 OECD survey also found that up to 25 per cent of the adult population have poor levels of literacy.
The latest figures suggest that the serious literacy problems still experienced by many adults are no longer so evident among teenagers. In terms of reading ability among 15-year-olds, the Republic was in the top five of the international league table. Only three per cent of Irish students surveyed had serious literacy problems.
The same encouraging pattern was evident in Science, where the Republic was ranked ninth among industrial nations, ahead of the US, France and Germany. This is a remarkable achievement given the fact that this State is only now bedding down Science in the primary curriculum, some 25 years after the proposal was first mooted. The figures for Maths are less impressive, confirming the recent trend of poor results - especially at ordinary level - in the State examinations. For all that, the Republic is still above the OECD average in Maths.
These impressive results are a great tribute to our teachers after a turbulent year in which the ASTI's reckless tactics threatened to damage the good standing of the profession. The OECD figures are a reminder of the debt this State owes to a superbly professional and dedicated teaching corps. From a negotiating point of view, it must strengthen the case of the INTO and the TUI for a significant pay increase from the current benchmarking process.
For its part, the Government also deserves credit. The Minister for Education, Dr Woods, and his predecessor, Mr Martin, have managed a significantly improved investment in education. Today's Budget is likely to see a further 12 per cent rise in funding, despite the economic slowdown. For all that, the OECD survey also shows how education spending in this State is still much less than in other industrial countries. Thanks to the dedication of teachers, the commitment of parents and, not least, the talent of our young people, the Republic is getting very good value for every pound spent on education.