Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of leaving certificate students doing higher level subjects by subject in the country, in particular the number doing higher level maths; the progress and increased pick up by students doing honours maths; the steps she will take to increase that number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39505/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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In the 2014 Leaving Certificate, 27.3% of Mathematics candidates opted to sit for the Higher Level Mathematics Paper. This figure is up from 15.8% in 2011.

This significant increase is attributed to the introduction of new Leaving Certificate Mathematics specification, combined with the availability of 25 bonus points now on offer for candidates who achieve a Grade D or higher. The target participation rate, as set out in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy ( 2011), is 30% opting for Higher Level Leaving Certificate Mathematics by 2020. I believe that this is achievable.

There has also been a focussed initiative to provide continuous professional development to Mathematics teachers to ensure that they are confident in implementing the new specifications, not only at Leaving Certificate but also at Junior Cycle.

Detailed national statistics on all examination subjects are available on the website of the State Examinations Commission, www.examinations.ie