asked the Minister for Education whether the Higher Education Authority has estimated the cost of the installation of 3rd and 4th generation computers in Dublin; if it proposes to locate them in both University College, Dublin and Trinity College, Dublin; and, if not, in which college it proposes to locate them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Computer Installation.
65.
The computers at present installed in University College, Dublin and Trinity College are 3rd generation computers. An tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas has been considering, in consultation with all the higher education institutions, how funds might be allocated (a) to acquire additional equipment to update the several existing systems and improve their capacity and flexibility; and (b) to provide experimental linkages between the various computers to ascertain to what extent the needs of all the institutions concerned for computer services could be met by co-operation in the use of the individual systems now in operation. An tÚdarás considers that experience of such linking arrangements should be of assistance in the planning of future developments and, in particular, in deciding when and the extent to which 4th generation computer equipment may be necessary. No proposals for the acquisition or location of 4th generation computers in the Dublin colleges have yet been formulated.