Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Power and it is something we have to make progress on. Having spoken to the Minister, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, about this, I know that she wants to make inroads concerning this matter. It does not add up and is not right. We know what the cause is so we have to work on it. Hopefully we will see some changes in that regard.

I thank the Senator for raising these issues and will discuss them with the Minister because they are very important. My own responsibilities cover enterprise as well as education, but we have to get this strategy right. We must push these subjects, including technology, engineering and mathematics. The online supports for all those courses are essential also, so access to broadband and online services both for teachers and pupils is essential.

Our business strategy focuses on the use of such information. It is so easy to gather data now, but we must teach pupils how to use it individually and through team work. We have to increase access to equipment but we must also teach students how to handle such knowledge.

Students must have respect for each other when using IT facilities, including Facebook and other social media. That is the biggest issue in all the schools I have visited and I am sure it is the same for Senators. Pupils say that their biggest concern is what goes on via social media. That is a part of the strategy that we must get right.