Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept the Deputy's last point, that the standard in maths has been dumbed down. It is certainly different and some of the third level teachers of mathematics who expect somebody ready to go into a very narrow channel of mathematics such as physics or engineering see a different kind of leaving certificate pupil. We run the system between the NCCA and the Department to ensure people coming out of second level education are equipped for the rest of their lives. There is a debate in that area and we could go into it at some length.

There is a mismatch, as there was for quite some time, between the graduates coming into the system in areas for ICT and what was being produced. Part of the problem was identified as a low level of uptake for higher level maths. That was identified by Engineers Ireland and a group of other employers approximately seven or eight years ago. In response, the bonus points were suggested, a decision taken and implemented by the then Minister, Mary Coughlan. There has been a dramatic increase in the uptake. It has some distorting effects, as every change in a system does. It is too early to say whether it is unjust. Young people make rational choices to maximise their points and we should understand that in the way in which some subjects are perceived to be easier than others although they get the same mark.

See this speech in context