Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 6

Written Answers. - Communications Technology.

Séamus Hughes

Ceist:

128 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Education the schools which will benefit from her announcement at the INTO annual conference relating to the provision of communications technology for island schools; the average costs of the equipment to be provided to each school; the extent and scope of the training proposed to be given to the teachers; and the proposals, if any, she has to give additional financial assistance to these schools to operate fully this new system throughout the school year.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The following schools have been requested to indicate whether they wish to be considered for the provision of the communications technology concerned: Scoil Naomh Cholmcille, Oileán Thoraí, Contae Dhún na nGall; Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Meadhoin, Arainn, Contae na Gaillimhe; Scoil Náisiúnta Eoghanachta, Arainn, Contae na Gaillimhe; Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Columba, Inisturk, Renvyle, Contae na Gaillimhe; Inishboffin national school, Cleggan, County Galway; Sherkin Island national school, Baltimore, County Cork, Scoil Náisiúnta Cléire, Oileán Cléire, Contae Corcaigh Scoil Náisiúnta Arainn Mhór 1, Arainn Mhór, Contae Dhún na nGall; Scoil Náisiúnta Arainn Mhór 11, Arainn Mhór, Contae Dhún na nGall; Scoil Náisiúnta Caomháin, Inis Oirthir, Arainn, Contae na Gaillimhe; Scoil Náisiúnta Rónáin, Arainn, Contae na Gaillimhe; Scoil Náisiúnta An Ceathrú Alainn, Cill Rónáin, Arainn, Contae na Gaillimhe; St. Patrick's national school, Clareisland, County Mayo; Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Ballinakilla, Bere Island, County Cork.

It is not possible at this early stage to give any details in relation to average cost. My Department proposes to bulk purchase the equipment by inviting tenders in accordance with the standard procedures governing the public procurement of computer equipment. I have provided for a maximum expenditure of £36,000 to cover the purchase of equipment and the cost of telephone installation where necessary.

It is expected that the requirement for induction in the use of the equipment will vary from school to school and my officials will assess the requirements in consultation with the school authorities involved. The provision being made relates to the initial installation costs. I do not anticipate that the nature of the proposed equipment will give rise to any significant recurring costs which the schools will be unable to meet in the ordinary course.

Séamus Hughes

Ceist:

129 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Education the reason the national schools on Achill Island, County Mayo, are being excluded from the proposed introduction of communications technology as announced by her at the INTO annual conference, in view of the fact that, although linked to the mainland by a bridge, Achill has been recognised by other Government Departments as an island and in view of the fact that this island is as remote and disadvantaged as any other island off the coastline; and whether she will reconsider the decision by giving equal treatment to the small number of schools involved nationally.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The schools which will benefit from the provision of communications technology are those previously categorised by my Department as "Island Schools" for such purposes as the payment of additional allowances to teachers. The schools on Achill Island were not included on that basis.

I have provided a maximum of £36,000 for this initiative and it is being directed to those schools in locations which are totally insular. However, I have asked my Department to examine the possibility of providing similar communications technology for the national schools on Achill Island.