I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Government has recently announced its decision to provide £30 million for a project to develop the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in first and second level schools.
The project titled "Schools IT 2000" will run over five years until the year 2001. It will involve the development and implementation of an exciting programme to support every Irish school in making the best possible educational use of ICTs. The programme will build on the expertise and creativity which is already in evidence in Irish classrooms.
The project will target actions in three key areas, i.e. teacher training and support, classroom resources and infrastructure and policy research.
In line with the approach being taken in other countries, every effort will be made to enhance the effect of the Government investment in the project by encouraging the development of partnerships with the private sector.
Details of the project will be communicated to schools in the coming weeks.