Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she has taken to introduce a system for the awarding of CAO bonus points for Leaving Certificate maths by 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33904/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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With respect, the Minister of State's response merely underlines the fudge on this issue. As he said, the innovation task force recommended the introduction of bonus points for mathematics as essential to the development of the smart economy. The National Competitiveness Council has consistently recommended their introduction, and the same recommendation was included in a report last week by Forfás. Yet the Minister of State, who has responsibility for innovation, is obliged to request academic councils to give the proposal favourable attention. That approach will not deliver what is required. Students who will sit their leaving certificate examination in two years require certainty in terms of their decision to undertake, or not to undertake, the higher level mathematics course. They need certainty, not more waffle, in terms of whether this is going to happen. Dublin City University, DCU, and University College Dublin, UCD, have signed up to it and the institutes of technology will do likewise if it is introduced across the board.

Is the Government serious about this proposal and will it signal to the third level institutions that this is an important issue?

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I appreciate the Deputy's support and enthusiasm on this subject. The Deputy will, if she is fair, acknowledge that I have been, in my capacity as Minister of State with responsibility for science, technology and innovation, equally enthusiastic about this proposal. I am also Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills.

The institutes of technology are in favour of the proposal. Three of our universities have indicated support for it, including the University of Limerick which is already operating the system. The proposal has been considered by the academic councils of Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, both of which have voted in favour of it. NUI Galway and University College Cork remain to be convinced of its merits. NUI Maynooth is divided on the matter. I am actively working with and trying to persuade university presidents that this is the correct decision for our leaving certificate students. My children are not yet old enough to take the leaving certificate examination. However, I know that many parents are aware of how difficult it is for a student to opt in to higher level maths, given the disincentive to do so. Between spring and June, some 20% of students drop from higher level to lower level maths. We need to increase the number of students taking higher level mathematics if we are to have suitably-qualified people in this area.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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What steps are the Minister and Minister of State taking to address this issue? The Minister of State has stated his enthusiasm for the proposal, which I accept. However, no action is being taken. Do the universities buy into Government policy? Is it Government policy that bonus points should be awarded to students taking higher level mathematics? I believe it should be Government policy. The Government has adopted the innovation task force report and, therefore, that policy should transfer into action on the ground. We do not, as a nation, have time for messing around, trying to convince universities of the value of the system and waiting for a particular university to make up its mind. If it is Government policy it should happen.

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I fully agree with Deputy Clune. I have been no pussy cat in terms of my dealings on this matter. I was recently criticised for making in an article in the Evening Herald the same points now being made by the Deputy. The academics need to get off the fence on this issue and go with Government policy.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is not happening.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Minister or Minister of State should give them instruction.

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The bottom line is that we must respect academic freedom.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Do not be ridiculous.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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What is Government policy?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Please allow the Minister of State to continue with interruption.

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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An integral aspect of our university system is the concept of academic freedom in terms of how they operate. I am actively engaged in the marketplace, trading, pushing and cajoling. I met recently with Mr. Jimmy Browne of NUI Galway when I again bearded him on this subject.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Minister of State should take control through his cheque book.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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We need the universities to come on board with this proposal.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Please allow the Minister of State to conclude his reply.

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the Deputy and I appreciate what I can only describe as her friendly fire on this matter.