Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 5

Written Answers. - Mathematics Course Recognition.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

107 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately 5,000 students will be seriously disadvantaged because of the decision by the National Council for Educational Awards to recognise the ordinary leaving certificate alternative mathematics course as a minimum entry requirement for 13 out of the approximate 200 courses at Regional Technical College/DIT level, while universities recognise the same course for matriculation purposes; if he will outline the action he proposes to take to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. Davern)

The alternative maths syllabus is a recognised leaving certificate subject for entry to NCEA validated courses for which mathematics is not prescribed as a compulsory eligibility requirement. Points are allocated for alternative maths in the same manner as for other subjects.

However, where mathematics is a compulsory eligibility requirement, the alternative maths course is not deemed to meet this requirement.

Alternative mathematics will count for matriculation purposes but will not be accepted as a substitute for mathematics in courses where mathematics is an entry requirement. Points are not awarded for alternative mathematics in the university sector.