Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

A number of key issues must be addressed. This is Maths Week 2009 during which we are encouraging citizens and students to be enthusiastic about, and to understand, maths. Teaching inputs for this subject need to improve. It is a disappointment that a significant number of maths teachers do not have a qualification for doing so. They did not do maths as part of their degree and that is another challenge. The solution for maths must begin at primary level and be carried through to third level. It is a source of disappointment, for example, that some overseas investors say graduates who have done higher level maths are not fit for purpose.

I do not mean to be long winded in my reply and, for that reason, I did not mention the mid-west task force earlier. I would appreciate it if the Deputy tabled more focused questions.

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