Vol. 489 No. 1
23 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports, services and grants available to schools for computer and general information technology requirements, in particular training of teachers and purchasing of equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7442/98]
The National Centre for Technology in Education, NCTE, in consultation with my Department, is drawing up procurement plans for the provision of multimedia PCs and other information technology equipment for schools. 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 and the roll out plan for the distribution of these computers is about to be implemented. As a result of Telecom Éireann and Department of Education and Science plans, approximately 8,500 multimedia computers will be provided to schools by the end of 1998.
The NCTE has overall responsibility for incareer development provision in ICTs under Schools IT 2000 and is formulating a strategic plan for the delivery of varied training programmes to teachers up to the end of 2001. This plan is being developed in consultation with the in-career development unit of my Department and various training provider interests. In recent months a total of approximately 80 ICT training programmes for teachers have been approved for funding by my Department. The NCTE is also currently considering specific proposals for ICT teacher training programmes submitted by individual schools and various groups and organisations in recent weeks. It is expected that the provision of these ICT training programmes will commence after Easter.
