Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The report of the innovation task force recommended that bonus points for higher level mathematics in the leaving certificate should be announced now, for implementation from 2012 onwards, so that students beginning their leaving certificate can make informed decisions about subject and level choice. I indicated my own view at the time of the desirability of sending a clear signal to second level students about the introduction of CAO bonus points for achievement in leaving certificate mathematics at higher level.

Legally, the criteria for admission to higher education institutions are matters for decision by the institutions themselves. The academic councils of these institutions determine the admission arrangements for students. I wrote to the president of the Irish Universities Association, the chairman of Institutes of Technology Ireland and the president of the Dublin Institute of Technology asking them to give early and favourable consideration to the matter, in the context of a suitably devised bonus points system that will successfully encourage more students to study higher level mathematics. The council of registrars of the institutes of technology has since indicated it is in favour of bonus points for mathematics provided they are implemented across the system. Many but not all of the universities have also indicated their support for this. The Irish Universities Association is working to promote a co-ordinated approach to the issue across the sector, and will keep me informed of developments.

In the meantime, I indicated in my press statement of 18 August that students who are entering senior cycle in September should be aware of the possibility of additional benefits of taking mathematics at higher level in terms of CAO applications from 2012 onward and should take this possibility into account in making their leaving certificate subject choices.

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