section_path: Cabinet career (1997–2011)/Minister for Education and Science (1997–2000)
section_name: Minister for Education and Science (1997–2000)
paragraph_text: Minister for Education and Science (1997–2000)
  
  When Fianna Fáil returned to power following the 1997 general election, Martin was appointed to the newly expanded position of Minister for Education and Science. Aged 36, he was the youngest member of Bertie Ahern 's first cabinet. As Minister for Education and Science, his tenure was characterised by an increase in spending at all levels of education, while a number of educational initiatives, such as a review of the primary school curriculum and the introduction of special needs assistants, were also initiated.