Concerns over chemistry takeup

A group representing the Irish pharmaceutical and chemicals sector today expressed concern that the number of students opting to take chemistry at Leaving Certificate level has remained low.

PharmaChemical Ireland however welcomed the increase in CAO applications for science courses at third-level.

Around 57,000 secondary-school students around the country were collecting their Leaving Cert results today.

"Although there was a marginal increase in the number of students that took the higher-level paper in chemistry this year, when you take into account the fact that more students sat the Leaving Certificate this year compared with last, the numbers remain disappointing," the IBEC group said in a statement.

"In addition, more students failed both higher- and ordinary-level chemistry."

"The pharmachem and biopharma sectors are always looking for top quality science graduates to maintain the industry as a global leader," PharmaChemical Ireland Director Matt Moran said.

"Science subjects are fundamental to so many career choices, not just in our sector, but also for medicine, engineering, ICT, medical technology and software.

"It is encouraging to see a 20% increase in the CAO applications for science courses since last year."

According to the group, the pharmachem industry last year exported products to the value of around €44bn and employed over 25,000 people; 50% of whom have a third-level qualification.