THE PROPOSAL by Minister for Education Mary Coughlan to introduce bonus points for higher level maths students has been strongly rejected two major universities.

Both University College Cork (UCC) and the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) declared that they would not accept the plans, which Coughlan had proposed to roll out in two years’ time.

Following meetings by senior academics at both universities, it was concluded that the plans would not encourage the take-up of mathematics at higher level, or better performance.

Academics at the universities said that better investment in maths education – particularly in the Project Maths the scheme, which aims to present maths in a practical rather than purely theoretical way – was sorely needed and was the only way to see better results in the subject.

According to the American Chamber of Commerce there are major questions over investment in education in Ireland – and questions regarding teaching methods in mathematics. This year over 4,000 students – across various levels – failed maths.

UCD and NUI Maynooth have yet to make a decision on Coughlan’s proposals, however the bonus points scheme has received backing from Irish and multinational employers.