Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 1

Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.

Alan Shatter

Question:

76 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the elements of the information technology programme in place in schools at primary and secondary level for the start of the 1998-99 school year; and if this is meeting the projected schedule. [7458/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Schools IT 2000 — A Policy Framework for the New Millennium states that the project will involve three major initiatives: the technology integration initiative, TII; the teaching skills initiative, TSI; and the schools support initiative, SSI, which will include: ScoilNet; and the school integration project, SIP.

On the technology integration initiative, under strand 1 it is proposed that "each school be assisted in acquiring at least one multimedia computer system with Internet access before the end of 1999". In partnership with Telecom Éireann it is planned to have this element in place by the beginning of the 1998-99 school year. Strand 1, therefore, will be completed ahead of schedule. The overall objective is to have an installed base of at least 60,000 computers within four years.

On the teaching skills initiative, the National Centre for Technology in Education, NCTE, has responsibility for the development of a strategic training programme for teachers in ICTs in education. Plans are being put in place now to ensure that at least one teacher from every school receives training aimed at developing practical experience in using the computer and associated technologies. This training will parallel strand 1 of the technology integration initiative, TII.

On the schools support initiative, the NCTE has responsibility for the development of ScoilNet as described in Schools IT 2000 — A Policy Framework for the New Millennium. Plans will be developed for ScoilNet at an early date and all schools will be informed when it comes on line. I am confident that ScoilNet will be an excellent resource as regards the provision of information, advice and support to schools.

The school integration project will involve at least 40 schools. The NCTE will draw up a list of priority areas and detailed criteria for the evaluation of project proposals under the SIP. These will be circulated to schools with an invitation to submit proposals. A large number of schools have taken the initiative in this regard and these schools have already submitted project proposals. These will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria established by the NCTE. I expect that a number of SIP projects will be in place for the beginning of the 1998-99 school year.

Derek McDowell

Question:

77 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, his Department has taken and will take to target assistance to disadvantaged schools under the Schools IT 2000 programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7517/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

As stated in Schools IT 2000 — A Policy Framework for the New Millennium, the implementation of Department of Education and Science policy on information and communications technologies will ensure that schools in disadvantaged areas, both urban and rural, receive early support so that they do not fall behind schools with access to greater resources. This is a fundamental principle and will be reflected accordingly in the planning and delivery of IT 2000 objectives.