Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree wholeheartedly with my colleague. The ERC does exceptionally valuable work on the education system in offering an objective and robust assessment of many different education initiatives. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the centre almost two years ago on a project relating to maths learning and maths teaching and my experience of working with the staff was positive. They carried out high quality, objective, robust and independent research. Giving the ERC an independent governance structure will strengthen its autonomy and its important place in the education system. The key issue is to ensure it continues to be well resourced because its work is exceptionally valuable. The centre is not afraid at times to challenge the consensus around the education system and how we develop it. It has been an independent voice for many years and I hope it will continue to be so in the future.