Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Higher education institutions have collectively agreed to operate a bonus points scheme for higher level mathematics for a four-year trial period from 2012 to 2015, inclusive, with a review in 2014. A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or above in leaving certificate higher level mathematics. This pilot scheme has been specifically designed with the objective of maximising the numbers of leaving certificate students who study for and sit the higher level maths examinations and should compensate for the perceived additional workload associated with that subject. In particular, it should incentivise the 20% of students who currently move to ordinary level having studied higher level for most of their senior cycle. As Deputy Smith knows, some students change their minds on the day of the mathematics examination. I have also asked higher education institutions to examine the scope for reform of the CAO points system to overcome some of its negative backwash effects on senior cycle students' learning.

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