Report of the Project Maths Implementation Group

Ireland's future economic growth and competitiveness will increasingly depend on the extent to which it can support high value knowledge based industries. Mathematics is essential for disciplines such as science, technology, engineering and finance, but it also promotes the ability to think rationally, analyse and solve problems, and process data clearly and accurately. In a globalised competitive economy it is important that Ireland moves beyond being “average” at mathematics towards the promotion of advanced levels of skills, creativity and innovation. We urgently need to improve attainment levels in mathematics generally and to encourage more students to take Higher Level Mathematics. In addition, mathematics is an essential life skill for citizenship and economic and social participation in an increasingly complex world.

What do older people with high support needs want and value from life? Involving older people in shaping 'A Better Life'

JRF has recently embarked on a major new programme: 'A Better Life', the central question of which is: 'How can we ensure a better life and better choices for older people who need high levels of support?' JRF now want to commission a project to work with older people with high support needs (current and future generations) and with JRF to ensure that older people with high support needs are at the heart throughout this programme.The deadline for receipt of full proposals is 12 noon on Tuesday 24 November 2009 for decision by 18 December.

The Value of Knowing: Public Perceptions about Alzheimers and testing

����This survey commissioned by Alzheimer Europe��examined public perception and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and aimed to identify the views of the general public on the value of diagnosis. The survey of 2,678 people was designed and analysed by the Harvard School of Public Health and Alzheimer Europe. Fieldwork was conducted via telephone (landline and cell phone) with nationally representative random samples of adults age 18 and older in five countries by TNS, an independent research company based in London. Countries surveyed were the USA, Germany, France, Spain and Poland. The survey was supported by a grant to Alzheimer Europe from Bayer AG. Bayer was not involved in the design of the survey or the analysis of the findings.��Full details of the survey results are available on the AE website at: http://www.alzheimer-europe.org/EN/Research��Alzheimer Europe is the umbrella organisation of national Alzheimer associations and currently has 31 member organisations in 27 European countries. The mission statement of the organisation is to change perceptions, practice and policy to ensure equal access of people with dementia to a high level of care services and treatment options.����

ICT Action Plan Meeting the high-level skills needs of enterprise in Ireland

The technology sector in Ireland is thriving. Employment, through indigenous and multinational technology firms continues to grow strongly year on year. All of the top 10 multinational technology companies have a significant presence in Ireland and the indigenous software sector’s exports are worth well in excess of €1 billion annually. Five of the top 10 exporters in Ireland are technology companies, and the sector is responsible for approximately one-third of Ireland’s total turnover. Since January 2011, over 80 jobs a week have been announced in the sector. This is on foot of 6% employment growth in 2009 and 4% in 2010. A recent global competitiveness report ranks Ireland as the top destination in the world by quality and value of investments. With a growing multinational technology presence in Ireland and a vibrant and innovative indigenous software sector, the future prospects for Ireland’s technology sector are bright.