Vol. 512 No. 1
63 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only 17 per cent of schools have multi-user access to the internet; and if he will set a target of reaching 50 per cent by the end of 2000. [25213/99]
In response to the success of Schools IT 2000 programme to date, a further £81 million is being made available over the next three years for a new and greatly expanded programme. This will include a series of ambitious targets. Specifically every classroom will be connected to the Internet with high-speed access; the ratio of computers to pupils will be significantly reduced; Ireland's teachers will have the most comprehensive on-going training programme in the world available to them; Ireland will use technology to implement the most advanced curriculum support programme in the world.
The funding each year includes £20 million for capital expenditure and £7 million for current expenditure. This will bring the Government's funding for this area to over £121 million for its five-year period.
My Department has recently commissioned an expert study to consider current and future technology infrastructure options, equipment selection, wiring, deployment of equipment, broadband connection to the Internet, etc., for schools. The study will consider these options in the context of the needs of learning and teaching and will help ensure that optimum value for money is achieved from this funding.
