Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the remaining Leaving Certificate examinations that will higher level maths attract an extra 25 points; and if this has not yet been determined, if it will attract the extra points in June 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively. [17504/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, CAO points are a matter for third level institutions. There have been concerns that students are not confident enough to study for higher level mathematics in the Leaving Certificate. To encourage more students to study and to then present for certification at the higher level, the third level institutions 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.

The introduction of the new Leaving Certificate Project Maths syllabus, and also the provision of bonus points has resulted in an increase in participation. In 2011 some 15.8% of the Leaving Certificate candidates sat the higher level paper. This had risen to 25.6% in 2013. In all, this was a rise of 58% over 3 years. The number of students who have indicated that they wish to sit the higher level examination this summer has also risen. Some 17,181 students have indicated their intention to take higher level – up 70% on this time in 2011. Of course some students may reverse this decision but students' confidence in their ability to take higher level mathematics is rising. The target participation rate, as set out in my Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, is 30% by 2020. I believe that this is achievable.

The Irish Universities Association (IUA) is carrying out a review of the Bonus Points for Higher Level Leaving Certificate Mathematics, as was noted when they were introduced so that it will be possible to examine the potential of the scheme. Until the report of their review has been completed, it is not possible to state what the future of bonus points will be. It is expected that the IUA report will be available in the second half of this year.