The Liberal Initiative party (IL) has raised questions to Fernando Alexandre through the Assembly of the Republic, emphasizing the crucial role of new technologies in societal development. However, the party points out persistent issues in Portugal’s education system.
These issues include numerous schools in a state of disrepair, awaiting funds the government promised to municipalities in July 2023. Additionally, the outdated computer systems, dating back to 2009, contribute to the problem.
Despite some investment in ‘Digital School’ kits, many of these devices are reaching obsolescence, compounded by malfunctions and unavailability,” the statement reads.
IL highlights these as some of the many problems affecting the basic functioning of schools.
The party inquires about the nature and implementation timeline of the AI tutor program for students, announced on Monday at the Web Summit opening.
“Will this tutoring program be implemented in both public and private educational institutions? Will it be developed to ensure the inclusion of students with special needs?” further questions IL.
The inquiry follows an announcement by Gonçalo Matias, the Minister Adjunct and for State Reform, during the Web Summit opening, expressing the government’s intent to provide each student with an AI tutor to guide and inspire learning.
IL has also addressed Minister of Housing Miguel Pinto Luz regarding issues with the extraordinary rent support program, noting that some beneficiaries “ceased receiving subsidies without prior notification” or “experienced suspension and resumption of support without resolving any irregularities.”
The party asks Pinto Luz to justify these occurrences and to clarify “when retroactive payments (exceeding 20 euros) will be disbursed to all beneficiaries without discrepancies.”
