Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 48 together.

The key recommendations in the report, including bonus points for higher level mathematics, professional development for teachers and the roll-out of Project Maths, are being progressed. Bonus points will be implemented from 2012. Project Maths began in all second level schools in September 2010, building on the experiences of 24 project schools which started the programme in 2008. This is being supported by extensive investment in professional development for teachers which began in 2009 and which will continue until 2013 at least. As part of this, intensive postgraduate courses will be developed aimed at teachers who do not hold a major qualification in mathematics. A Project Maths implementation support group, an industry and education partnership, reported in 2010 on how stakeholders from business, second level and higher education can work together to achieve the objectives of Project Maths. The recommendations of this report are being progressed. My Department has also published the national literacy and numeracy strategy, which is designed to promote a significant improvement in mathematical skills throughout primary and second level schools.

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