Vol. 487 No. 6
339 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is proposed that all primary schools have a computer and be connected to the Internet as in the case of a school (details supplied) in view of a commitment made during his visit to County Mayo in December 1997. [4829/98]
As part of its remit the newly established National Centre for Technology in Education will put appropriate equipment procurement arrangements for schools in place under Schools IT 2000. There is a specific commitment by my Department in Schools IT 2000 — A Policy Framework for the New Millennium to assist schools in acquiring at least one multimedia PC computer system with Internet access before the end of 1999.
Additionally, Telecom Éireann has agreed to provide all schools with a multimedia PC by September 1998 and to facilitate schools seeking an Internet connection free of charge. At present, my Department, in conjunction with Telecom Éireann, is distributing a questionnaire to first and second level schools with a view to determining how Schools IT 2000 can be of initial assistance to every school. Responses to this questionnaire will help clarify information and communication technology requirements in schools.
