Employers' group IBEC has expressed concern about a continuing decline in the number of Leaving Certificate students taking higher level papers in mathematics and science.
54,000 students are receiving the results of their examinations today.
IBEC's head of education and social policy Tony Donohoe said the 2007 results give serious cause for concern. 15.6% sat the higher level maths paper, with 12.5% securing an honours grade.
He said since a C1 in higher maths was needed for most engineering and high technology courses, most students were automatically exclude from pursuing these careers.
The figures for honours grades in higher level physics, chemistry and biology were 7%, 8% and 23% of all students respectively. ICT Ireland called for the re-introduction of bonus points for honours maths to encourage more students to take the course as it was now the least popular higher level option.
