A new report form the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has said many pupils, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, will have suffered long-term damage due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The OECD's Director for Education and Skills said countries have responded "very differently with how they prioritise education" throughout the crisis.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Andreas Schleicher said some countries kept schools open, particularly primary schools and kindergartens, while other countries immediately closed schools.
He said countries also differed with contingency plans - some were quick to put digital learning plans in place, while other countries "really struggled with that".