Bulletin 25-3 The Competitiveness Implications of Post-Pandemic Learning Losses

The NCPC is pleased to publish Bulletin 25-3 on The Competitiveness Implications of Post-Pandemic Learning Losses. This Bulletin utilises OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data to analyse the impact of COVID-19-related school closures on maths proficiency, which underpins success in STEM fields. The Bulletin also compares Ireland's performance to international peers, assess trends in absenteeism in Ireland, and review OECD Performance Indices that provide further context to OECD PISA results.

The analysis points to a long-term deterioration in maths proficiency globally with an acceleration in this decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ireland, however, has observed a less severe decline compared to many peer economies. Absenteeism rates in primary and post-primary education are also significantly above pre-pandemic rates.