Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

373 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for individual schools to draw down money for computer development plans; the assurances, if any, he can give to schools that have made efforts to develop a computer facility that they will not be disadvantaged in access to this fund, particularly where money has recently been expended by schools. [23048/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Detailed schemes for the provision of support to schools in developing their computer and communications equipment infrastructures under Schools IT 2000 have not yet been drawn up. Proposals in this regard will be developed by the National Centre for Technology in Education — NCTE — in early 1998 for my consideration and approval.

Clear objective criteria will be established for the administration of funding over the period of the project. Every school will be supported, either in beginning to use ICTs or in building upon their present level of ICT development.