Vol. 524 No. 2
425 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve funding for learning support teachers to purchase ICT equipment and laptop computers as such a facility would be an essential tool in improving the service to children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22134/00]
In June of this year my Department allocated information technology grants of £700 under the IT2000 initiative to all schools which have the service of remedial and resource teachers. This funding was intended to facilitate the purchase of relevant hardware-software items by the teachers in question to assist them in catering for children with special needs.
The Deputy will also be aware that since 1998, all schools have received funding for the purchase of computer equipment under the IT2000 initiative.
In addition, when remedial and resource teaching posts are allocated to primary schools, an initial equipment grant of £400 is allocated and this is followed by an annual grant of £200. The level of these grants is currently under review.
