Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contribution. One of the obvious gaps was in relation to special needs, so there was regression. That is anecdotal and measured through contact and interaction between our inspectorate and schools in terms of where the gaps were. One clear message right across the sector, whether tertiary, post-primary or primary, is that computers cannot replace teachers. Computers and digital technology can enable processes but they will never replace teachers. One of the big gaps identified is to ensure that we get back into the classroom. I take the Deputy's point as to whether there is a need for research into this. Not to talk about programmes for Government today, but I know there was a lot of focus in the talks on having a research focus within the Department and there will be plenty of time in the future to do research on this important matter.

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