Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I have asked previously that good-quality expert academic research be done on the learning losses, which I see and that we all know of anecdotally, over the last number of weeks and months in order that teachers and the State know in September what is the position regarding children. Most people would say there has been a learning loss. I believe it is obvious. While some people suggest that children's learning is enhanced by e-learning, I cannot see how that could be possible in the middle of a pandemic when the thing has not been planned or organised properly. I do not say that to oppose e-learning or blended learning but it happened in an emergency. There has been some research in the UK and I believe the ESRI is publishing research this week. Has the Department of Education and Skills commissioned research on the learning losses and on what is needed from schools and for children in the new year and in the future? Can the Minister answer that question briefly?

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