We need 'fundamental change' in Maths teaching, admits Minister

Junior Education Minister Ciaran Cannon has admitted that a report into the standard of maths teaching is cause for concern.

The report of the Chief Inspector into teaching in primary and secondary schools underlined concerns in how Irish and Maths is taught.

The report found that over a quarter of Ireland's second-level pupils are being taught maths at an unacceptably low standard.

Minister Ciaran Cannon says the government is taking the findings on board.

"The weaknesses in Maths - they confirm a real need for fundamental change in the curriculum and also in the teaching of the subject, and those changes are underway, in Project Maths," he said.

"The Minister (for Education Ruairí Quinn) has also made available post-graduate courses for teachers to enable them to upskill their understanding of Maths and its teaching in the future."