Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her position on the introduction of bonus leaving certificate points for maths and science subjects; if she has immediate or long-term plans for introducing such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28946/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The admission requirements for entry into third level colleges and the delineation of points for particular subjects are matters for decision by the colleges themselves. The Central Applications Office provides a processing service on behalf of the colleges, based on the parameters stipulated by the colleges for entry purposes. I am on record as favouring the provision of bonus points for Higher Level Mathematics where students are entering third level programmes with a high maths content, such as in science, engineering and technology. I have publicised my views in the hope of stimulating debate among third level colleges on this issue.

A revised programme in Mathematics is now being developed at junior and senior cycle by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment which will provide a bridging framework from the revised primary curriculum, and will be designed to ensure that students will experience mathematics in a new way. The programme will provide a strong focus on context and applications and problem solving, and enable students to have a greater realisation of the many ways mathematics is applied in the real world.

There are commitments in the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation to further enhance science teaching and learning and improve the uptake of senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. These include ensuring that the project based hands-on investigative approach now in place at junior cycle is extended to senior cycle, that assessment of practical skills is strengthened, and that there is an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society. Proposals from the NCCA in this area are expected to be forwarded to my Department early next year.

Reforms in these areas are designed to enhance the attractiveness and understanding of science and mathematics so that more students will be encouraged to pursue these areas in third level and in their future careers.