Approximately 1,800 teachers have received training in information and communication technology, ICT since I launched Schools IT 2000 in November 1997. While this data is not currently sufficiently disaggregated to provide a breakdown of numbers as between primary and second level teachers, I can inform the Deputy that the majority of those involved were primary teachers. The vast bulk of the courses provided were of a basic-introductory nature and a very small number had an ICT focus on specific subject areas, including mathematics, English and physics at post-primary level.
Additionally, as I announced on 7 May 1998, the National Centre for Technology in Education has developed a comprehensive programme which will ensure that training in ICTs in education is provided to 8,000 primary and second level teachers during the current year. The training programme for second level teachers will commence on 8 June 1998, while the primary teachers' programme will commence on 1 July 1998. A total of 635 courses will be provided. This training will be provided under the teaching skills initiative outlined in my Department's ICT policy framework document and will make a major impact on ICT training requirements in our schools.