Vol. 570 No. 4
133 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department can inter vene to ensure the continuation of the Dublin inner city schools computerisation project which now requires part-funding for the project co-ordinators (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19189/03]
In 1998, the Dublin inner city schools computerisation project, DISC, was established to build an information and communications technology infrastructure in Dublin inner city schools and to train the teachers in how to use the technology in the classroom. In partnership with Hewlett-Packard, the National Centre for Technology in Education and Dublin inner city partnership, DISC has to date upgraded the ICT facilities in 40 inner city schools and provided ICT training for some 700 teachers. Total funding provided by my Department for the project to date amounts to approximately €200,000. This funding was provided through the NCTE. The NCTE on behalf of my Department continues to support the project by providing training and advice to the schools and teachers involved in the project. The NCTE is reviewing the project with a view to enhancing the use of ICT within the participating schools. Further funding for the project in 2004 will be considered by my Department in the light of this review.
