Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 896: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the steps she has taken and will take to implement the innovation taskforce's key recommendation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14726/10]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 913: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science when the proposed bonus points for honours Leaving Certificate maths will come into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14976/10]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 917: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science further to the announcement made at the Irish National Teachers Organisation conference in Ennis, County Clare, on Wednesday 7 April 2010, her plans to arrange for the granting of bonus points in the Leaving Certificate examinations for students who take honours mathematics; the year the change will come into operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15097/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 896, 913 and 917 together.

I indicated my own view of the desirability of sending a clear signal to our second level students about the introduction of CAO bonus points for achievement in Leaving Certificate mathematics at higher level. The Report of the Task Force on Innovation recommends that bonus points be announced now for implementation in 2012 so that students beginning their Leaving Certificate programme this September can make informed decisions on subject and level choice.

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 realise it is a complex matter and that a number of groups have discussed the issue and failed to reach a consensus to date on the matter.

A major programme of reform in Mathematics, under Project Maths, is under way at present in 24 schools.The overall aim is to teach Mathematics in a way which promotes real understanding, where students can appreciate the relevance of what they are learning and its application to everyday life, and how mathematics can be used to solve problems. While Project Maths is designed to promote more positive attitudes and higher attainment in Mathematics in the longer term, I consider there is an urgent need for an immediate incentive which will encourage more students to take higher level mathematics. I believe that incentive can be given by the introduction of CAO bonus points.