Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 5

Written Answers. - Island Schools.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

202 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the number of island primary schools; the location of these island primary schools; the number of teachers in each of these schools; and the estimated cost of installing a phone, fax and modem in each of these schools.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

203 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of installing a phone, fax and modem in each one teacher school in the State.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to answer Question Nos. 202 and 203 together.

The following 14 primary schools are designated as island schools:

Scoil Naomh Cholmcille, Oileán Thoraí, Co. Dhún na nGall.	(1 teacher)
Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Meadhoin, Arainn, Co. na Gaillimhe.	(2 teachers)
Scoil Náisiúnta Eoghanachta, Arainn, Co. na Gaillimhe.	(2 teachers)
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Columba, Inisturk, Renvyle, Co. na Gaillimhe.	(1 teacher)
Inishboffin National School, Cleggan, Co. Galway.	(1 teacher)
Sherkin Island National School, Baltimore, Co. Cork.	(1 teacher)
Scoil Náisiúnta Cléire, Oileán Cléire, Co. Corcaigh.	(2 teachers)
Scoil Náisiúnta Arainn Mhór I, Arainn Mhór, Co. Dhún na nGall.	(2 teachers+ shared remedial)
Scoil Náisiúnta Arainn Mhór II, Arainn Mhór, Co. Dhún na nGall.	(2 teachers)
Scoil Naisiúnta Caomháin, Inis Oirthir, Arainn, Co. na Gaillimhe.	(2 teachers)
Scoil Náisiúnta Rónáin, Arainn, Co. na Gaillimhe.	(2 teachers)
Scoil Náisiúnta An Ceathrú Alainn, Cill Rónáin, Arainn, Co. na Gaillimhe.	(1 teacher)
St. Patrick's National School, Clareisland, Co. Mayo.	(2 teachers)
Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Ballinakilla, Bere Island, Co. Cork.	(2 teachers)

It is not possible at this early stage to give any details in relation to the average cost of installing a phone, fax and modem for these schools. 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.

Pending the final arrangements for the installation of a phone, fax and modem on the island schools, it is not possible to give the estimated cost of installing such equipment in all of the 116 one teacher schools in the State.