Ivor Callely
Question:111 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if she will list the schools which have availed of moneys from her Department to obtain computers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24115/96]
Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.
Ivor Callely
Question:113 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the level of funding available to schools for the purchase of computers; the funding, if any, which may be available in 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24117/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 113 together.
A list of all schools which have availed of grants from my Department under various schemes and programmes is not readily available. I will have the information required by the Deputy forwarded as soon as possible.
In general no specific grants are provided to primary school management authorities for the purchase of computer equipment. Primary schools may purchase computers from within their annual capitation grant allocations from my Department, having regard to their own needs and budgetary constraints.
However, my Department provides funding for the purchase of computers and other specialised equipment for use in schools educating pupils with special needs. In the current school year an allocation of £400,000 has been made for this purpose.
Specific financial assistance for the purchase of computers and related equipment is provided to second-level schools. In 1996 almost £3 million is allocated for the purchase of such equipment and it is anticipated that a similar amount will be available in 1997.
Ivor Callely
Question:112 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education her views on the importance of computers in schools as teaching aids; her understanding of the current trends in Irish society on the use of computers; the anticipated trends in the years ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24116/96]
My Department regularly reviews the impact of the developing information technologies on effective teaching and learning. The need for the education system to respond to the demands for new skills and competencies required for effective participation in the emerging information society has required that a review of present education provision is undertaken.
In response to this need my Department has commissioned Marino Institute of Education to undertake a study on information technology in education. This study, which has been completed, has reviewed the role of IT in teaching and learning. A draft report will shortly be submitted. The report will provide a context for the development of a coherent national strategy for IT in education. It will offer a broad overview of desirable directions and will assist in establishing a national strategy for IT in the primary and post-primary education sectors.