Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 4

Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

338 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department's policy regarding access to information technology for students with a physical disability; and the provision, if any, for these students in the plans announced by him regarding substantial spending proposed by his Department to provide computers and other IT in schools. [14101/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department fully recognises the growing value of technological equipment in assisting special needs children, including those with physical disabilities, to gain maximum benefit from the education system. The importance of such equipment to special needs children has been given particular recognition under the Schools IT 2000 Initiative.

Under this initiative, each ordinary primary school is receiving a basic grant of £2,000 together with a grant of £5 per pupil.

Each special school is receiving a basic grant of £3,000 together with a grant of £20 per pupil.

Each ordinary primary school which has a special class or classes is receiving a grant of £1,500 on top of the basic grant of £2,000. The children attending the special classes also attract a grant of £20 per pupil.

In addition to the above funding, I have allocted a sum of £250,000 to supplement the special resources already provided to meet the special equipment needs of individual children with disabilities, including those attending ordinary schools on a fully integrated basis.

I am satisfied that the measures which I have outlined give concrete expression to my commitment to ensuring that the equipment needs of special needs children are adequately catered for within the education system.