Mr. Lewis Purser:

In 2010, the universities announced a change to the points system for entry in 2012. Since then, all students who have sat a higher level mathematics paper and achieved a minimum of a D3 have got bonus points. It is not the only thing that has influenced a change in behaviour in second level students and in families, but it is one of them. The Department of Education and Skills, to give it justice, has invested heavily in the continuing professional development of mathematics teachers. The Project Maths curriculum has been rolled out. From 2011 to 2013, we have seen a 45% increase in the number of leaving certificate students who are sitting higher level maths, which is a good thing. It has certainly been welcomed by our stakeholders throughout the country, public and private.