Maths has many pluses

Brendan Casserly (Letters, May 6) sees no reason why honours maths should merit extra points. I disagree.

Honours maths requires twice as much study time as other subjects.

Many university courses require more maths. Teacher-training colleges should devote a year exclusively to maths.

The salary scale should include a bonus to encourage mathematicians to choose teaching as a career.

Numeracy is as important as literacy. Otherwise, people are open to economic exploitation. They are never certain their income tax is correct. Few know how to calculate mortgage interest.

Maths is the cornerstone of honesty. Banks tend to rely on computers for answers. That may be why the financial world collapsed.

Michael Mernagh

Raheens

Carrigaline

Co Cork