Vol. 294 No. 4
asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the number of schools at present engaged in teaching computer science outside school hours, he will consider providing schools with their own computers on a regional basis or providing schools with computer terminals which might be connected to computers situated in the regional technical colleges or universities.
120.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the increasing demand by employers for personnel familiar with computers and the great interest shown by pupils in post-primary schools in learning about computers; and, if so, if he will consider introducing computer science as a subject in post-primary schools.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
The question of the introduction of computer studies as a formal subject into the programme for secondary schools is one for consideration normally in the context of the desires of the school authorities as these are made known from time to time.
There is, however, sufficient flexibility in the existing programme to enable school authorities to respond to the increasing use of computers by introducing pupils to an awareness of the significance of computer studies. It is in this context that the work on computers mentioned by the Deputy is being done outside school hours by a number of interested teachers in secondary schools. These teachers have attended summer courses on computers which have been organised by my Department in co-operation with the Computer Education Society of Ireland.
It is not possible within current resources to consider providing schools with their own computers or computer terminals. The existing facilities in the regional technical colleges are fully used by their own students and staff. Plans have been developed for the expansion of these facilities and in that context consideration can be given in due course to the question of services being provided by regional technical colleges for second level schools in their area.
