New scheme to encourage students to study maths

The Science Foundation of Ireland has launched a new initiative to promote the benefits of studying maths at school and college.

The scheme, which will cost around €10m, aims to improve the way in which maths is taught, as well as making the subject more attractive to students.

According Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin, students have tended to veer away from mathematical studies over the past few years.

It is hoped that this will have a long-term impact on industry in Ireland, by increasing the number of science and engineering graduates here.