Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2013
201. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be made available for ongoing maintenance and replacement of computer equipment in the design and communication graphics rooms in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53920/13]
View answer202. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the computer stock provided to implement the T4 subjects no longer have the capacity to operate the revised software designed to deliver the curriculum; when he plans to put a grant-aided purchasing framework in place to provide for the replacement of this computer stock in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53921/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
My Department is aware of the issues in relation to T4 subject equipment. The availability of funding to meet particular school needs is considered in the light of overall priorities and is subject to the availability of resources. I will keep the question of the provision of funding for this purpose under review. Steps have been taken to ensure that schools receive value for money when purchasing T4 CAD PCs and Notebooks. In this regard, schools may purchase off the Department of Finance's framework for PCs and notebooks and to facilitate this the Professional Development Service for Teachers - Technology in Education have put in place a drawdown agreement for PCs and notebooks with all the necessary specifications for T4 subjects.
