Mr. Lewis Purser:

To respond to the Deputy's queries about the maths issue, the bonus points for maths were brought in by the CAO system at the request of the universities almost ten years ago, I think. The objective at the time was to incentivise greater uptake of higher level mathematics in the leaving certificate. That objective has been achieved. We have seen a massive increase in higher level mathematics attainment and persistence in the leaving certificate, particularly among girls, which has been most important. From a broad educational perspective, it does not really matter whether they then progress into a STEM subject or whatever. The higher level mathematics and second level attainment in mathematics are the best predictor of further educational success and progression and achievement in higher education. That is statistically proven by the HEA's progression data and many other studies. Mathematics and education are the two best predictors of educational success. We are unashamedly in support of high achievement in mathematics, particularly for girls, where the traditional has been for slightly lower participation and attainment. I do not think there is any desire on the part of IUA members to remove that from the CAO system. The issue is how to accommodate people from Northern Ireland. We would prefer all applicants to Irish universities to have good attainment in mathematics. That applies for students from outside the jurisdiction as well. The particular issue in the broader UK system is that students are limited to so few subjects. That issue has not really been addressed. It was not within the jurisdiction of the Universities Ireland working group to discuss it but it can remain on the agenda for institutions in the Republic.