Vol. 481 No. 4
248 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve in any future new schools or extensions, provision of sufficient funds for the purchase of computers as part of the standard equipment grant which would be included in the overall costs in relation to the provision of computers for the use of students in primary and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16144/97]
Under the scheme of grants for new second level school buildings or extensions, the post-primary building unit of the Department of Education and Science provides grant-aid for the purchase of computer equipment where the schedule of accommodation includes a computer room. To date in 1997, a total of £714,676 has been expended on the provision of computer equipment in second level schools under this scheme. This scheme will continue to operate in the post-primary sector as heretofore. Notwithstanding this, the Government in the Action Programme for the New Millennium commits itself to the integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) across curricula in first and second level schools. My Department will shortly publish a comprehensive policy framework document on ICTs in the school system which will ensure that pupils in every school will have the opportunity to achieve computer literacy and equip themselves for participation in the Information Society. The Department of Education and Science's forthcoming policy proposals on ICT's in first and second level schools will reflect a major Government investment in the future of Irish education and in our nation's future economic wellbeing.
