Ms Derval McDonagh:

We need to see the data and start measuring that. We hear all the time that more is being invested and there have never been more SETs or special classes, but what is that yielding for children? We are not just talking about numeracy, literacy and STEM scores, although there is no doubt that is important for some children; we are also talking about well-being outcomes, as well as how much children feel they belonged in their local school, whether they were bullied and what was their experience. We need to go back to the voice of the child in education, which is sorely lacking, and understand what their experience is. Families tell us that every day of the week but we, as a State, need to do better in gathering and presenting that information.