Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy that we have learned an enormous amount from the pandemic as we have gone through it. We have also learned of the flexibility, adaptability and resilience of schools in meeting challenges as they are presented. I want to be very clear that with the resourcing of schools, more than €100 million has been made available to them during the pandemic, specifically with regard to digital technology, and this afforded schools the opportunity to purchase equipment and loan equipment to students where necessary. I have seen good practice in many schools where it was not possible for a student to have equipment that the required equipment was loaned and students could draw on that resource.

The Deputy referred to who would be involved with the consultation, etc. I have indicated that this was an open call consultation and it is important that the voices of students, parents, teachers, managerial bodies and wider society is heard. It is important as there is no monopoly of wisdom in any subject. The consultation process included and was open to everyone.

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