David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered allowing students who sit and fail leaving certificate higher level maths to complete some form of matriculation mathematics exam to allow them to gain entry into third level institutions as was discussed during an Adjournment debate on 1 June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16847/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The report of the Project Maths Implementation Support Group, an industry/education partnership designed to add value to Project Maths, which included higher education participation, was published in June 2010. It included a recommendation that higher education institutes should offer a second chance entrance examination in mathematics in late August/early September targeted at students who have taken Mathematics at Higher level in the Leaving Certificate but who have failed to meet matriculation requirements. The availability of this safety net was seen as a factor in encouraging more students to sit higher level Mathematics.

The admissions criteria for entry to higher education institutions are legally a matter for the institutions themselves. However, a range of colleges are now providing a second chance entrance examination specifically for courses such as science and engineering courses. However, some of the colleges which engaged in this in previous years have now ceased the practice. It should be noted that the proportion scoring below grade D in higher level Mathematics in 2010 was 3.7%

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase interest in maths and science, either through incentivisation at examination time or further modification to the respective curricula and the way they are taught. [16852/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A major programme of reform in mathematics, Project Maths, began in all second level schools at both junior and senior cycle in September last, building on the experience of 24 schools which began the programme in 2008. Project Maths is designed to encourage better understanding of mathematics, to reinforce its practical relevance to everyday life and to ensure better curriculum continuity across the system. It is supported by a comprehensive investment in professional development for teachers which will continue to at least 2013.

Mathematics has the highest participation of any subject in the Leaving Certificate, but only some 16% sit Higher level mathematics. A key aim of Project Maths is to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level. A further incentive will apply from 2012, under which 25 additional CAO points will apply to all students scoring at least grade D3 in higher level Mathematics.

Project Maths is supported by materials and resources on the website www.ProjectMaths.ie and by an industry education partnership designed to add value through co-operation across higher education, second level and industry. The work of the Discover Science and Engineering programme, which has extended its remit to Mathematics, is also important in this respect. In addition, career awareness information on opportunities in the science technology, engineering and mathematics sectors is featured on www.careersportal.ie, a guidance tool which is now widely used in schools.

In science, the key challenges are to improve participation in senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. As part of this approach, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed revised draft syllabuses for Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and is currently engaging in a public consultation on these, prior to submitting its advice to my Department. An important objective is to build on the hands-on investigative approaches already in place in junior cycle, and to strengthen the emphasis on practical assessment and the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society.

The forthcoming national literacy and numeracy strategy will also play an important role in strengthening these skills in schools.