Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The heads of the universities are acutely aware of my opinions and those of the Government. They are also aware of the task force's recommendations. Of significant importance is that, in trying to achieve what we want and what we have been told by industry, we must have a greater acumen in mathematics and incentivise those who wish to take honours mathematics. By their nature, young people will see how best to get points. To encourage them, there should be bonus points for honours mathematics. Consideration must be given to this issue. For certain subject matters, the University of Limerick, for example, awards additional points for honour mathematics in its entry requirements. That is the independence of the university sector. I hope it will take into consideration the expressed views of all Deputies and the Government when addressing this matter. I wrote to the universities in the past ten days and am awaiting further discussions with them.

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