Question:
1220 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will pay the VAT on computers purchased by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 as this will allow the school to buy two extra computers. [1741/02]
Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.
Grants of some 25 million issued to schools recently as the first phase of the 108 million three year strategic action plan, Blueprint for the Future of ICT in Irish Education, 2001-2003, which I announced in December 2001.
The school to which the Deputy refers received a substantial grant under this round of funding and I am happy to inform her that under phase 2 of the initiative, further substantial grants will be paid to that school during the current academic year which should enable it to significantly improve its computer infrastructure in line with the aims of the plan.
VAT notwithstanding, therefore, I am sure the Deputy appreciates the level of funding now being made available to schools on an ongoing basis to facilitate the integration of information and communications technology into education.