Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

316 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary and post primary schools in County Mayo that have computer facilities; the way he proposes to implement the Government proposal to have these facilities provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3947/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department, in partnership with Telecom Éireann, is distributing a questionnaire to first and second level schools. The information obtained will, inter alia, provide information on the current position in all schools with regard to computer facilities. As stated in Schools IT 2000 — A Policy Framework for the New Millennium, each first and second level school will be assisted by my Department in acquiring at least one multimedia computer system with Internet access before the end of 1999. Additionally Telecom Éireann has agreed to supply each school with a multimedia computer system by September 1998.

The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) which I have established will, in consultation with my Department, draw up and implement plans for the procurement and distribution of multimedia computers to all schools. Mr. Jerome Morrissey took up duty as Director of the NCTE on 16 February and four co-ordinators will also commence duty in the near future.