Higher Level Maths bonus points 'a temporary measure'

The Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has said the bonus points being awarded for Higher Level Maths is "a temporary measure".

Over the last two years there has been an increase of almost 60% in the number of Leaving Cert students taking the paper.

One in four candidates sat Higher Level Maths this year alone, with students who got a D grade or above getting 25 bonus points.

Mr Quinn, who presented results to students at Ringsend College in Dublin, has said the measure is encouraging a greater uptake.

He said: "It is for the time being a temporary measure. This is the second full year in which we've seen the results are very positive.

"I think we'd need to see, in my view, five years in a row, to say that we have got a pattern or a trend, but there will be other changes that will come into play in the Leaving Certificate.