The Irish education system is in major need of reform, an expert has suggested.

Speaking at a recent Intel Education Forum at the Science Gallery in Dublin, Jim O'Hara, managing director of Intel in Ireland, said a smart economy must have a 21st century digital infrastructure, strong research capacity and a solid education system.

"In the business world, companies that succeed over time do so because they invest in people. If you think education is expensive, try ignorance," he commented.

Writing for the Irish Independent, John Kennedy, who attended the event, noted that countries generally inject money into education during an economic downturn.

However, he pointed out that Ireland currently spends four times more on health than it does on funding schools and universities.

It was reported earlier this week that plans to modernise the Leaving Certificate curriculum are currently on hold as a result of budgetary pressures.

Written by Donal Walsh

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