Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs regarding the level of achievement in maths among Irish students; if he will implement the recommendations of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Report of the Expert Group called for the introduction of bonus points for higher level mathematics in the Leaving Certificate. I am pleased to say that all third level institutions have collectively decided to operate a bonus points scheme for higher level mathematics for a four year trial period from 2012 to 2015 with a review in 2014. A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or above in Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics.

As recommended in that report, a major programme of reform in mathematics in second level schools has begun in all schools in September 2010, building on the experiences of 24 project schools which started the programme in 2008. Project Maths is designed to encourage better understanding of maths, to reinforce the practical relevance of maths to everyday life, and to ensure better continuity between primary and second level, and junior and senior cycle. A key objective is to improve attainment levels in maths and to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level

A national programme of professional development for all teachers began in 2009, and will continue to at least 2013. Some €5 million was spent on this area in 2010 and an estimated €3 million in 2009. This investment will be continued in 2011 and funds have also been provided for the development of a post graduate programme for teachers who need additional support.

A Project Maths implementation support group was established as an industry/education partnership to examine and report to the previous Minister on how best stakeholders from business, second level and higher education can work together to achieve the objectives of Project Maths. The group was chaired by Mr Frank Turpin, former Education Manager in INTEL Ireland, and nominee of the Irish Business and Employer's Confederation on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and the group includes representation from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The group reported in June 2010 making recommendations on awareness measures which promote positive attitudes to mathematics and encourage more students to consider careers in this area; how the partnership can add value to the teaching and learning approaches and support the curriculum in Project Maths; and how best increased take-up of mathematics at higher level can be encouraged.

The group's work includes examination of a range of reports relating to mathematics including that of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. It is fully accepted that Ireland must improve standards significantly in mathematics to keep pace with the demands of the smart economy.

My Department is also engaging with stakeholders on a draft literacy and numeracy plan which is designed to promote a significant improvement of literacy and numeracy levels of children across primary and second level schools. Taken together, these initiatives are designed to ensure that literacy and numeracy are given top priority in schools, and that our young people develop the skills they need to participate effectively in today's society.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current status of the project maths programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5635/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Project Maths began in all second level schools in September 2010 for first year students in Junior and Leaving Certificate. The initiative builds on the experiences of 24 project schools which began the programme in 2008. Project Maths is being implemented on a phased basis over a three period across 5 strands of mathematics as follows:- Phase 1: Strand 1 - Statistics and Probability + Strand 2 - Geometry and Trigonometry Phase 2: Strand 1+2+ Strand 3 - Number + Strand 4 - Algebra Phase 3: Strand 1+2+3+4+ Strand 5 - Functions.

Project Maths is designed to encourage better understanding of maths, to reinforce the practical relevance of maths to everyday life, and to ensure better continuity between primary and second level, and junior and senior cycle. A key objective is to improve attainment levels in maths and to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level

A national programme of professional development for all teachers began in 2009, and will continue to at least 2013. Some €5 million was spent on this area in this area in 2010 and an estimated €3 million in 2009. This investment will be continued in 2011 and funds have also been provided for the development of a post graduate programme for teachers who need additional support.

The NCCA website www.ncca.ie. sets out the draft syllabus for Strands 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at junior and senior cycle, a draft common mathematics course for the first year in junior cycle, and a Geometry course. The website www.ProjectMaths.ie sets out additional supports in the form of teaching and learning plans, a forum for teachers, and additional resources. These resources will expand over time as each of the strands is implemented.

A high level of mathematical achievement is vital for Ireland's future competitiveness in the knowledge economy. We urgently need to improve attainment levels in maths generally and to encourage more students to take higher level maths.