Minister for Education Mary Coughlan today backed a bonus points system for higher Leaving Cert maths to encourage more students to take up the subject at third level.
The Tánaiste told the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) annual conference in Co Clare that more needed to be done to help increase the number of science and maths graduates.
Her predecessor, Batt O’Keeffe, who set up a top level group of experts to review the country’s performance in maths, had initially been opposed to the idea.
But Ms Coughlan said today there was a need to take steps in the right direction.
“While I will await and consider the views of the expert group, it is my view at this point that we could send a clear signal to our second level student population with the introduction of a CAO points bonus for achievement in Leaving Certificate maths,” she said.
“Ireland, to succeed in our ambition as the innovation island, must not be shy in targeting any skills gap we identify in our labour force. It is clear that maths is somewhere we could do better, so it is important that we embrace that challenge and take steps to right the situation.”
In February 2009 Mr O’Keeffe expressed opposition to the idea, saying it would be counter-productive and reinforce the perception that maths was a tough subject. But his stance has softened and the Government’s innovation task force last month backed the plans on a pilot basis.
Labour's education spokesman Ruairi Quinn welcomed Ms Coughlan's comments and said the introduction of bonus points was long overdue. .
Mr Quinn noted that Ireland ranked 16th out of 30 OECD countries in a 2006 survey of maths literacy. "We are simply average when it comes to our student's success at maths," he said. "All proposals that might help improve our performance should be considered."
He also called on the Minister to further reform the maths syllabus and ensure more teachers have degree-level qualifications in the subject.
Employers’ group Ibec also welcomed the Minister’s backing for bonus points, claiming it would show multi-national companies that the country was committed to developing the smart economy.
ICT Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the high-tech sector, urged Ms Coughlan to introduce it as soon as possible.
“The reintroduction of bonus points will send a clear signal to national and international industry leaders that Ireland is serious about developing a smart economy,” said ICT Ireland director Paul Sweetman.
“Higher-level maths provides students with key skills needed for the high-tech jobs Ireland is working to attract. The opportunity of achieving bonus points will encourage more students to take the course.”