Quality of teachers key to Ireland’s success, says expert

MORE focus on the quality of teachers is a critical factor in improving the education system, a former top civil servant has claimed.

Don Thornhill, chair of the National Competitiveness Council, said Ireland’s ability to take maximum advantage of global economic recovery will be enhanced if the quality of education can continue to be raised.

The ex-secretary general of the Department of Education and former chair of the Higher Education Authority told the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) conference at the weekend that we need the best education system in the world, not just one that is good enough. But, he said, the focus should be on outcomes rather than allowing public investment in education dominate the debate.