Dr. Pauric Travers:

As Senator Ruane has said, we tend to perform well in PISA, especially in reading. The most recent PISA was in 2012. We performed significantly above the OECD average in mathematics. We do well in mathematics generally but we performed significantly above the average in mathematics in 2013 as well as in reading. We have done well consistently in reading. This outcome correlates with the findings of the other reports, including the PIRLS and TIMSS reports. PIRLS looks at literacy and TIMSS looks at mathematics and science. Certainly we do well, but there is no room for complacency. I am not aware that the centre has done specific research on the relationship between early intervention and performance in PISA, but it has been working closely with the DEIS programme and the national numeracy and literacy strategy. The early indications on the numeracy and literacy strategy suggest it is beginning to have an impact overall, particularly on the areas Senator Ruane referred to.

Probably the most recent relevant findings are the national assessments done in 2014, which were carried out by the ERC in collaboration with the inspectorate. They have shown significant improvements in the areas of reading and mathematics. I think it augers well for the future. It is early days yet, but the view on the outcomes from the 2014 assessments is that there is no room for complacency and that there is room for improvement in the area of mathematics and the DEIS programme and disadvantaged schools. The view was that this area needed further attention. The centre is undertaking the main evaluation for the DEIS programme and it will be interesting to see the outcome.