Students in the Republic have come in for high praise after appearing at the top of a major assessment of education standards among 15-year-olds globally.
Ireland's 15-year-olds were found to be the most environmentally aware and second in reading and literacy skills.
Out of nearly 400,000 students in 57 countries assessed, the State's 15-year-olds were found to be the most environmentally aware and second in reading.
They ranked sixth in the more general reading and literacy skills category and were above average in science (20 th) and mathematics (22 nd).
Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said: "There is much to be proud of in the performance of our students in this prestigious international survey."
The results were broadly similar to those achieved three years ago in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Siobhán Masterson of business and employers group Ibec said she was concerend that pupils had not made progress in maths since the last assessment in 2003.
"If we are to achieve our stated national objectives of fostering a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, then we must not just maintain the current number of students performing well in higher-level maths, but increase it dramatically," she said.
Radical measures were required, she added and urged Ms Hanafin to sign off on the proposed new Junior and Leaving Certificate maths curricula without delay.
Over 4,500 students in 165 schools took part in the survey. It measured the ability to apply knowledge and skills considered important to their future rather than understanding of the their academic curriculum.
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) noted the report found Ireland to have higher degree of equality in its education system with differences in achievement between schools lower than most OECD countries.
General Secretary John White said pupils and teachers should be proud of the findings despite a recent OECD report showing Ireland joint last out of 29 countries in terms of per capita spending on second-level students relative to the per capita wealth.
"Our students are performing exceptionally well in the area of literacy. If the Government's goal is to develop Ireland as a knowledge economy and knowledge society, then it must seek to replicate this success in the area of science," Mr White said.
Angel Gurría, Secretary General of the OECD said education was a valuable national asset which must be regarded in an international context.
He noted that education standards in China and India are improving rapidly which other countries cannot ignore.
"Skills are key factors for productivity, economic growth and better living standards," he said.
Today's findings are provisional and a full report will be issued in 2008.