10. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the training available for teachers to support them in their AI literacy skills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29161/26]

Sentiment score: 0.14

I would like to focus briefly on the additional assessment components, AACs. These are being rolled out fully but they exist already in some subjects. This time 12 years ago, I finished my research study report as part of leaving certificate history. I did that report on the Modreeny ambush, where the north Tipperary flying column ambushed the Black and Tans between Cloughjordan and Borrisokane during the War of Independence. I had to look at Ernie O’Malley’s Raids and Rallies, the late Roche Williams' book, In and Out of School - In the Home of the MacDonaghs, and research done by the Cloughjordan Heritage Group. This morning, I was able to just google the Modreeny ambush and get a full overview, with the date and time, the number of casualties, their names and everything else. My concern is around the way in which students are so easily able to access all that information now and how it impacts on the additional assessment component. I am glad to hear that the external advisory task force is being established. That will be needed for teachers and for external examiners as we continue to grow what I see as the very important additional assessment components.

Sentiment score: 0.12

It is important to acknowledge the many positive benefits to AI as well. It is not all negative but it is essential that this advisory task force is up and running and doing that work. AI is moving so quickly compared to what we would have had only a number of years ago, let alone what I would have had in technological assistance doing my leaving certificate 12 years ago. There are so many benefits there to enhance students' learning experience and to enhance their ability to dig down into information but it is about all those mechanisms the Minister mentioned and possibly more, including working with European counterparts, that will be so important to ensure this technology does not take away from the ability to teach students the skills of critical thinking, research and analysis and investigating primary and secondary sources in whatever subject it might be. A huge body of work is needed and I am delighted to see the Department advancing it.

Sentiment score: 0.49