Reaction:The one in five failure rate at ordinary and foundation level Leaving Certificate maths has been identified as an area of grave concern by the business and employers group, Ibec.
Additional figures showing an 8 per cent decrease in the number of students sitting higher level maths will negate against the State's attempts to create a high-tech sector using graduates with strong numeracy skills, according to the assistant director of policy at Ibec, Caroline Nash.
"Apart from possessing basic skills, employers are increasingly worried about the attitude of young workers. Having a positive attitude towards work and the ability to learn fast are key attributes that employers look for," said Ms Nash.
However, Engineers Ireland yesterday complained that misleading interpretations of maths results were leading students to be fearful of attempting higher level maths.
Industry director of Engineers Ireland, Una Parsons, said it was important to recognise that over 82 per cent of students sitting the higher level maths paper achieved a C3 grade or higher, which was an increase of 4 per cent on last year. Added to this, 31,400 students passed ordinary level maths, which is a requirement for engineering technology programmes.
"It is very encouraging that the interest in higher level maths has remained robust as it is an essential requirement for the study of honours engineering programmes," she said.
Meanwhile, the Union of Students in Ireland yesterday complained of a proposed price increase in the registration fee payable by college students from September. Union president Colm Hamrogue said the increase from €775 to €800 per annum represented a 321 per cent increase over 11 years and would result in students paying out €3,200 over a four-year period.