Vol. 529 No. 1
1235 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. [1969/01]
In June 2000, my Department allocated information technology grants of £700 under the IT2000 project to all schools which have the service of a full-time learning support and-or resource teacher. 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.
In addition, in the context of last December's budget, I secured an additional allocation of £1.75 million to fund the purchase of computers and computer aids for children with special needs in special schools, special classes and in integrated settings. This brings the total funding available in this area to £2.737 million and represents an increase of more than 100%.
Since 1998, all publicly funded first and second level schools have received funding for the purchase of computer equipment under the IT 2000 project. In addition, when learning support and resource teaching posts are allocated to primary schools an initial equipment grant of £500 is allocated and this is followed by an annual grant of £250.
The above developments demonstrate my commitment to ensuring that our special needs children have ready access to the benefits of modern technology within the education system. The Deputy may have noted also that I recently, on 4 January, launched a pilot scheme to provide laptops and software to second year pupils with dyslexia or other learning difficulties in 31 second level schools.
